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Delaware Studies Sports Betting4 March 2003HARRINGTON, Delaware – As reported by the Gannett News: ``When Delaware lawmakers legalized slot machines in 1995, they didn't expect to hit the jackpot: Delaware could reap $11 million each year, the state's finance director said at the time. ``But it seems that Lady Luck was on Delaware's side. The 5,430 slot machines at Harrington Raceway, Dover Downs and Delaware Park put $193 million into the state's coffers last year. ``Now the stakeholders of Delaware's slots revenue are trying to figure out how to defend their good fortunes from Maryland and Pennsylvania, where lawmakers are considering legalizing slots. A 10-member task force of government and casino industry leaders is considering the feasibility of sanctioning sports betting -- a practice allowed by federal law only in Delaware, Montana, Oregon and Nevada. ``But this time, Delaware may not be so lucky. ``In Nevada and Oregon, the only other states where betting on professional sports is legal and in operation -- that form of gambling brings in small change relative to other forms. ``…Though Gov. Ruth Ann Minner has said she opposes any expansion of gambling, proponents of sports betting are looking to stay ahead of the game. Given that 32 percent of all visitors to Delaware's casinos come from Maryland and 14 percent from Pennsylvania, Delaware finance officials estimate the state could lose $48 million a year if the legislation to sanction slots, or Video Lottery Terminals, is approved in those states…" |