Typical Battle Over Video Poker Being Waged In South Carolina

Gambling expansion almost certainly comes down to party lines these days. Democrats seem in favor of the expansion which will increase revenue and help state budgets. Republicans, on the other hand, oppose most forms of expansion.

A typical battle is going on in South Carolina in regards to some form of gambling expansion. Video poker and whether the game should be legalized is at the forefront of the arguments.

The Republicans are opposed to changing any laws to include video poker as a legal for of gambling. Democrats are pushing for the legalization claiming that if that is what voters want, then that is what they should get.

The GOP Chairman Katon Dawson is leading the charge against video poker. He claims that it has already had its chance and the issue does not need to be re-examined. "I would like to challenge the Democratic Party not to make Newberry the Vegas of South Carolina," he said.

Upon hearing those words spoken by Dawson, gaming analyst George Friedman offered this response, "It certainly would take a lot more than video poker to make the town into Las Vegas. He (Dawson) must not have been in Las Vegas in a while. The last time I was there I saw shows, played blackjack, ate at fine restaurants, and partied at clubs that were open all night. Will Newberry have all that if they allow video poker?"

Still, the Democrats will try and push the law through if they feel it is what the voters of the town want. "My job is to represent the people in Newberry. If all the people are in favor, I'll vote for it," said Henry Sumner.

July 29, 2008
Posted By Terry Goodwin
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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