Is Poker in the Cards for West Virginia Racetracks?
A bill allowing table games like poker and black jack at West Virginia state’s 4 dog-and-horse tracks is expected to be introduced today. The bill would allow each tracks’ host county to vote on permitting table games, would make the games part of the state’s legalized lottery system, and give government a share of the profits. The 4 racetrack counties are: Jefferson, Kanawha, and to the north: Hancock and Ohio counties. Racetrack management says it is about survival given their clientele are principally from out of state and that new competition from nearby Pennsylvania will steal their customers. Northern neighbor Pennsylvania has already authorized up to 61,000 machines at 14 sites and expects to see 30,000 operating by 2008, which is nearly three times the number hosted by the West Virginia tracks. Also 11 casinos are expected to be open by 2009. Three casinos are already operating. Many opponents argue against gaming on moral grounds and for economic diversification, fearing the t
