Keno Gambling Proposed By Connecticut Governor For New Budget

Some state are doing it through new casinos. Other states are accomplishing their goal by legalizing video poker machines. The state of Connecticut apparently will try to balance their budget through the use of keno gambling.

There has been much debate by Connecticut lawmakers about how to expand gambling in the state. Even with all of the discussion, many of these lawmakers were surprised at a proposal Thursday from Governor M. Jodi Rell to include keno in the new two year budget.

At issue with the keno gambling is a compact that the state has with the Mohegan Tribe, which allows them to run casinos in the state. There is the possibility that keno gambling could violate that compact, but some lawmakers believe that would not be the case.

"There is nothing in the compact agreement that prohibits keno," said Representative Stephen Dargan. The tribe itself had no comment on the issue and said they would first review the plan before making a judgement as to the legality in regard to the compact.

The last thing that the state wants to do is violate the gaming compact they have with the Mashantucket Pequot tribe. They are reaping the benefits of both the Mohegan Sun Casino and Foxwoods Casino.

If approved, the keno game would bring the state millions of dollars in revenue. That money would help keep the state from having to cut some programs out of the new budget. More research is being done on the keno issue, and this week could be crucial to whether or not it stays in the proposed budget. "At

June 1, 2009
Posted By Terry Goodwin
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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