Maybe lawmakers are watching Nevada or New Jersey, or even the imploding Connecticut Casinos, but there are audible expressions of doubt about the conspicuously overstated revenue promises and the grossly overstated job creation numbers.
Whenever a Massachusetts Slot Barn Cheerleader waves the phony numbers, one wonders if they're dumb or just think we are.
In a consistent pattern of false promises, the Industry employs similar tactics elsewhere to garner support, then creates excuses when the cash sucking machines fail to fulfill projections.
EYE ON OLYMPIA: Gaming boost won’t ease deficit, Peninsula lawmakers say
By Tom Callis
Peninsula Daily News
OLYMPIA — The state’s budget deficit estimate topped $5.1 billion last week, but North Olympic Peninsula representatives say that’s not enough to get them excited about a push from the gambling industry to allow video slot machines off reservations.
While no legislation has been introduced, the Recreational Gaming Association of Washington is proposing that the state allow nontribal casinos to install the machines as a means to raise revenue, NPR reported last week.
The organization told NPR, formerly National Public Radio, that an additional $190 million a year could be raised through additional gambling tax revenue.
Sen. Jim Hargrove, D-Hoquiam, said he isn’t persuaded that it would raise that much.
Hargrove said any increase may be offset by a drop in sales tax revenue as people spend more of their discretionary income at casinos.
“I don’t see that really as a revenue-raiser,” he said.
Rep. Kevin Van De Wege, D-Sequim, said he’s not taking anything “off the table,” but added he’s not sure that expanding gambling should be part of the solution to the state’s financial problems.
“I’m not a fan of it,” he said.
Whenever a Massachusetts Slot Barn Cheerleader waves the phony numbers, one wonders if they're dumb or just think we are.
In a consistent pattern of false promises, the Industry employs similar tactics elsewhere to garner support, then creates excuses when the cash sucking machines fail to fulfill projections.
EYE ON OLYMPIA: Gaming boost won’t ease deficit, Peninsula lawmakers say
By Tom Callis
Peninsula Daily News
OLYMPIA — The state’s budget deficit estimate topped $5.1 billion last week, but North Olympic Peninsula representatives say that’s not enough to get them excited about a push from the gambling industry to allow video slot machines off reservations.
While no legislation has been introduced, the Recreational Gaming Association of Washington is proposing that the state allow nontribal casinos to install the machines as a means to raise revenue, NPR reported last week.
The organization told NPR, formerly National Public Radio, that an additional $190 million a year could be raised through additional gambling tax revenue.
Sen. Jim Hargrove, D-Hoquiam, said he isn’t persuaded that it would raise that much.
Hargrove said any increase may be offset by a drop in sales tax revenue as people spend more of their discretionary income at casinos.
“I don’t see that really as a revenue-raiser,” he said.
Rep. Kevin Van De Wege, D-Sequim, said he’s not taking anything “off the table,” but added he’s not sure that expanding gambling should be part of the solution to the state’s financial problems.
“I’m not a fan of it,” he said.
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