Gambling Bill Moves to House Floor

A gambling bill that would help casinos pay for new slot machines is now headed to the floor of the House of Delegates after passing the House Finance Committee Tuesday.

But the bill didn't pass without some dissent.

Jackson County Delegate Mitch Carmichael unsuccessfully tried to add an amendment to the bill that would have eliminated the establishment of the improvement fund, which will provide casinos money to help pay for upgraded equipment.

Carmichael argued that it's not fair to give casinos preferential treatment in such a tough economy.

"The rest of West Virginia businesses are under stress, under pressure," Carmichael said. "We're not doing anything to help them."

Arguing against Carmichael's amendment, Greenbrier County Delegate Tom Campbell said gaming revenue is vital for West Virginia to remain strong financially.

"Gaming revenue has helped us maintain our financial stability, including an improved credit rating," Campbell said.

The bill would take about $10 million and put it into a modernization fund that would be used to help casinos pay for new slot machines. Casinos say increased competition from casinos in Maryland, Pennsylvania and Ohio -- which have newer slot machines -- make the bill necessary.

Carmichael says casinos do well enough without state support.

"This is a business entity that has created a very profitable business over a period of time," Carmichael said. "Why should we then give them resources that would otherwise go to the state of West Virginia so that they can go purchase new equipment?"

But Campbell contends that casinos need support to continue to bring in revenue. He says the bill may cost the state a small amount of money, but it will pay off.

"Sometimes you have to invest a dollar to make a dollar," Campbell said. "The dollars are important for reinvestment for these facilities to invest in the needed capital equipment needed to maintain their revenues."

If delegates want to pass the bill, they'll have to vote before the end of the day Saturday, when the regular legislative session ends.

And the battle continues over the almighty dollar.

What a lame way to run a business.

Kind of like you can't replace a lightbulb if it burns out without first having a bill in your hand passed by the House of Delegates and the House Finance Committee.

I wish they would sort it out already!