Gambling News by Gambling Headquarters

West Virginia's gambling industry plans another push in the Legislature next year for local option elections to allow table games at the state's four racetrack casinos. In preparation for next year's effort, a poll released by the state Racing Association earlier this week shows 61 percent of West Virginians favor local option elections, up from 51 percent in a similar poll released in January. Also, according to The Associated Press, racetrack executives and political action committees distributed more than $100,000 before the May primary among 72 House of Delegates and State Senate candidates. Association President John Cavacini said the industry will contribute to candidates for the general election. The gambling industry wants table games such as blackjack, poker and roulette because it will soon lose its regional monopoly on video slot machines. Pennsylvania could license its first slot machines next week. According to the AP, the tracks in Jefferson, Hancock, Kanawha and Ohio counties together host nearly 11,400 video terminals operated by the state Lottery Commission. They grossed more than $942 million last fiscal year for the tracks as well as state, county and local governments. The racetracks provide thousands of jobs. By adding table games, West Virginia's tracks say they could maintain their existing jobs and even add to them as they expand.

But every expansion of gambling so far has required a statewide vote, not local elections in four counties. This is an issue that cries out for a statewide vote for several reasons. The problems associated with gambling addiction will be felt in every county, especially those bordering racetracks with table games.

After all, most of Cabell and Putnam counties are closer to the track at Crosslanes than parts of Kanawha County are. So are parts of Mason and Jackson counties. But under a local option, those four counties would have no say in whether table games are offered there.

On this issue, all counties deserve a vote.