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Critics: Michigan Gaming could be Hitting Capacity

MICHIGAN – As reported by the Associated Press: "The number of casinos, slot machines and lottery games in Michigan has skyrocketed in recent years, giving gamblers plenty of chances to spend their money and send some of it to state coffers.

"The proliferation of gambling in the state has opened a debate over whether the market is becoming oversaturated, spreading profits too thin and ultimately hurting jobs, local economies and state revenues.

"Michigan Lottery commissioner Gary Peters recently found room in the market for two new games -- Club Keno and Pull Tab.

"`Folks have been saying we're at a saturation point for years,' he said.

"…Lawmakers now are looking to the state's seven horse race tracks for additional gambling opportunities. A package of bills already approved by the state House would allow race tracks to have 500 to 2,000 video lottery terminals, or slot machines, tied into the state lottery system.

"…Liz Boyd, a spokeswoman for Gov. Jennifer Granholm, said the governor is concerned about increased gambling options in Michigan but said she is realistic about the need to generate additional revenues.

"The Democratic governor's budget proposal for the fiscal year that began Oct. 1 included the new Club Keno and Pull Tab games to boost state revenue by $50 million.

"…Kay Everett, a Detroit city councilwoman, is unhappy about a possible casino in Romulus because of its proximity to Detroit's casinos.

"It is `drawing from the same well. The concentration is just too close,' Everett said. `We're not trying to eliminate anybody else's opportunity. But we also have to use some common sense.'

"For similar reasons, the three Detroit casinos are opposed to allowing slot machines at race tracks, arguing that they would not only poach their customers but would contribute little to the local economy…"

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