Saturday, Jan. 27, 2007

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Racetrack table games up for huge tax increase in West Virginia

By Erin Warner

West Virginia is contemplating a steep hike in taxation on racetrack table casino games in the state. Members of the House Finance Committee want a 34% tax on the tables that would bring levels in line with video lottery machines.

The state government initially drafted a bill that would double its tax intake on the games to 24%.

Not only is West Virginia's finance committee thinking about raising the levy an additional 10%, Lottery Director John Musgrave is recommending that the four tracks in the state pay an annual $2.5 million licensing fee for table games.

The ideas were introduced at a finance committee meeting and don't reflect a commitment on the government's part to follow through with the proposals.

Still, the changes are making management at least one of the tracks uncomfortable.

Wheeling Island Racetrack & Gaming Center president Bob Marshall told the Charleston Daily Mail his business couldn't handle both the tax increase and licensing fees. Added up, it amounts to 44-45% taxation, he said.

Table games, Marshall said, require extra staff and players require additional benefits compared to operating video lottery machines.

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