Voters Reject Table Gaming at Charles Town Racing & Slots

A deal to bring blackjack, poker, and roulette to Charles Town Racing & Slots in West Virginia was shot down yesterday by area voters 5,625 to 4,450. The casino attracts visitors mostly from Maryland and Virginia, however, its also a popular stop for many travelers passing through.

If the vote had passed, it would have paved the way for Penn National Gaming to move forward with plans to open 75 to 80 tables. The casino generated about $485 million in revenue last year with it's 5,000 slot machines and the horse track.

In Jefferson County, yesterday's vote provoked debate on economics, morality, and even traffic congestion.

The new gambling games would have generated an estimated $1.5 million a year for construction in the public school system. Proponents said the deal also would yield millions of dollars more for local government by expanding the property tax base. Additional funds would also go to the state.

But those opposed to the new deal argued that much of the financial gain would be offset by increased public safety costs and that higher traffic volume would overwhelm already-busy roads. One flier from an opposition group also warned of risks to gamblers: addiction and bankruptcy.

June 10, 2007
Posted By Terry Goodwin
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com    Previous Page | Internet Gambling | Top Online Casinos | Submit News!