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Mississippi House Barely Defeats OTB Bill

JACKSON, Mississippi – As reported by the Biloxi Sun Herald: "The House on Thursday, after fierce debate, barely defeated a bill that could have cleared the way for Mississippi casinos to have off-track horse- and dog-race betting, or 'race book.'

"A majority voted in favor of the bill, 55-52, but it failed to get the 65 needed for a three-fifths majority. The bill was held on a motion to reconsider and could come up for a re-vote later.

"…'This would probably raise from $3.5 million to $13 million a year without raising taxes on casinos,' said House Gaming Chairman Bobby Moak, D-Bogue Chitto. He said the bill, allowing the state Gaming Commission to "promulgate rules" on race book would also help stamp out illegal race betting in Mississippi.

"Keith Crosby, general manager of the Palace Casino, helped push for the legislation.

"…But some casino leaders were ambivalent about the bill; still others would have rather it didn't come up. They fear such debates open the door to challenges, changes or new taxes to casino gambling, at a time when they'd rather lay low…"

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