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Delaware legislature votes down sports betting bill

DOVER, Delaware -- As reported by ESPN.com: "Delaware lawmakers have voted down a bill that would have authorized sports betting in the First State.

"Gov. Jack Markell had proposed expanding gambling in hopes of raising an estimated $55 million in revenue for the state. But on Tuesday night, the measure fell two votes short of the three-fifths majority needed for the bill to clear the Delaware House of Representatives, with 23 votes in favor, 15 against and three abstentions.

"Markell proposed expanding gaming at the state's three racetrack/casinos and a larger state share of slot machine revenues to prevent additional cuts in the fiscal 2010 budget. Markell has already proposed an 8 percent salary cut for all state workers.

"The bill drew opposition from the state's three racetrack/casinos, who said the proposal would drive them out of business. According to the News-Journal of Wilimington, Patti Key, the CEO of Harrington Raceway, told lawmakers Tuesday that the larger state take of slot machine revenue would cost the track $3.2 million -- and that it would not make any money from sports betting..."

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