Gaming News

Oregon casino backer push to change constitution

OREGON -- As reported by the Portland Tribune: "Backers hoping to build a Las Vegas-style casino at a former greyhound track east of Portland are starting out of the gate slowly in their effort to make the November ballot with an initiative to change the state constitution to allow the casino.

"Bruce Studer, one of two local promoters of the $500 million casino-hotel project, said the initiative campaign will commence soon. But promoters and their unidentified gaming-industry partner have not begun signature-gathering, despite clearing legal appeals nearly two months ago.

"Initiative experts said it's getting late to gather the necessary petition signatures by the July 3 deadline. People monitoring the casino project are speculating that the campaign isn't going forward.

"...They hope to coax Oregon voters to amend the state constitution to allow a single private casino in the state, at the former Multnomah Kennel Club in Wood Village. Backers also propose the second initiative to dedicate the money to education and children's health care — which could sweeten the pot for state voters..."

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