Monday, Jan. 16, 2006

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West Virginia to legalize poker, maybe

By Lianne Elias

West Virginia may become the twenty-seventh American state to legalize poker, it has been revealed. According to media reports, the issue is being considered by the state's gaming board due to recent revelations it could lose up to $160 million in tax revenue when neighboring states Pennsylvania and Ohio implement new gaming regulations later this year, enticing West Virginian gamers to head for the border to spend their dollars in competing casinos boasting live poker and other card games.

According to Robert D. Marshall, president of Wheeling Island Racing and Gaming Center, the addition of live poker, craps, blackjack, and roulette to casinos across the state would combat the threat posed by West Virginia's neighbors, generate millions in tax dollars, and provide hundreds of jobs. His casino alone would add approximately 400 new positions if the new laws are passed, whereas 250 jobs would be lost if the legislation falls through.

The state has until the end of 2006 to hand out licenses and hold referendums on the issue. In the past, two legislative initiatives have failed to pass.

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