Gaming News

West Virginia candidates split over slots

WEST VIRGINIA -- As reported by the Charleston Daily Mail: "Candidates running in the crowded 30th District House of Delegates race were split on whether they'd vote to renew the 9,000 permits for video slot machines found in neighborhood gambling parlors.

"The permits are set to expire in 2011, and some critics view the parlors as blights on communities.

"Some candidates for the 30th District met with Daily Mail editors on Wednesday.

"In the most recent meeting, Victoria Casey, a Charleston Republican, told Daily Mail editors Wednesday she wouldn't vote to reduce or eliminate the permits.

"...Delegate Sharon Spencer, a Charleston Democrat, had concerns that not renewing the licenses would leave a big hole in the budget that could be filled only by raising taxes.

"She said Gov. Joe Manchin reported to lawmakers this year that the state will run at a deficit for the next five years.

"...Delegate Danny Wells, a Charleston Democrat, said he was in favor of reducing the slots to the point of elimination.

"...Jeff Wood, a Democrat from Charleston, said he doesn't believe lawmakers should solve the problem wholesale by not renewing the permits.

"...John H. Miller Jr., a Republican member of Charleston City Council, supports elimination..."

< Gaming News