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Critics Target West Virginia Gambling Expansion

FAIRMONT, West Virginia – As reported by the West Virginia Times: "State Lottery Commission officials can point to growing revenues from the 'limited video lottery' games.

"…Video gambling helps support the lottery's chief mission: Providing funds and programs for education, senior citizens, tourism and, since July 2001, economic development.

"But critics — Mike Queen of Clarksburg and Sen. Mike Oliverio, D-Monongalia and Marion, are among the most prominent in the region — have never let up their fire since the popular computerized games became available in December 2001.

"'I think the market has been saturated,' Queen said. He owns a small public relations firm in Charleston and also a small trucking firm in southern West Virginia. He was recently elected to the Harrison County School Board and is currently embroiled in the controversy over the 'Jesus Portrait' at Bridgeport High School. Queen is leading the fight to keep the portrait hanging.

"He also is a leader in West Virginians Citizens Against Gambling Expansion or CAGE. Queen describes the group as a 'loose-knit coalition of churches and some individuals' who are opposed to the expansion of gambling in the state.

"…When the Legislature is in session, Queen monitors gambling-related legislation.

"…CAGE is not calling for the total elimination of gambling, he said. Such a ban will simply drive it back underground, he explained…"

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