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West Virginia Leaders Resist Legalized Gambling Talks

WEST VIRGINIA – As reported by the Charleston Gazette: "Gov. Bob Wise is willing to call a special session to legalize table games in West Virginia, but legislative leaders don't want to be dealt in.

"'I just don't think there's any chance it's going to happen,' said House Speaker Bob Kiss, D-Raleigh, during Sunday interim meetings in Charleston.

"And Senate President Earl Ray Tomblin, D-Logan, said Wise isn't sure he has enough votes to pass a table games bill in the Senate.

"…On Friday, Wise said West Virginia stands to lose up to $160 million in gambling revenue as Pennsylvania adds slot machines at its racetracks, and Maryland considers doing the same. Table games would help West Virginia compete with those new gambling venues, which do not have blackjack, poker, roulette and other such games. Republicans are solidly against a special session, said House Minority Leader Charles Trump, R-Morgan. Another session would be a waste of taxpayer money, he said, and most Republicans in the Legislature are opposed to gambling expansion…"

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