Arizona Representative Wants Indian Gambling Monopoly Broken

There may soon be some more horse and dog racing tracks popping up in the state of Arizona. That will be what it takes to operate a casino in Arizona under a new plan that has been proposed.

House Majority Whip Andy Tobin wants to end the monopoly that Indian casinos have in the state. In order to do so, Tobin has suggested that horse and dog tracks be allowed to offer unlimited slot gambling. The tracks would also get poker and blackjack.

"We're billions of dollars in the hole," said Tobin, "There are very few options." That sums up what politicians in many states are thinking these days. The economy has caused major budget deficits around the US.

To combat the financial strain, lawmakers have begun to expand casino gambling options. Those states that have casinos, are giving the casino owners the rights to more games. Those that have never had casinos are legalizing them.

Arizona would stand to benefit with over $110 million in tax revenue in the first year that casinos are open at the tracks. That is according to a study that was done by a Colorado consultant firm. The projections are based on a tax rate of 45.5%.

The plan for casinos at the tracks has come under heavy fire. Politicians who oppose casino gambling feel that this is just a short term solution, that could bring more problems in the future.

May 21, 2009
Posted By Terry Goodwin
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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