|
 Despite a recent study done by New Orlean’s based TMG Consulting, which concluded that adding two new casino venues could be very beneficial to the state of Delaware, its state Gaming Commission voted overwhelmingly in opposition to the idea on Tuesday. They agreed to add a footnote to the study that would contradict its reasoning prior to the information being taken to the state legislators for consideration.
The study found that adding the new venues would maximize the state’s tax revenue without driving the existing venues out of business. The issue is though, that the new casinos would not put old venues out of business but would affect their revenues dramatically. It is this fact that has turned many lawmakers against the idea. They feel as though putting any business in harm’s way at this point in time is unacceptable considering the present state of the economy.
Others argue however that even if there were job losses the new jobs created by the latest casinos would make up for the fact, so it’s in the state’s best interest to allow them to be created. They reason that increasing the state’s tax revenues is the bottom line and for this end the new casinos would be very effective.
The Commission which released a draft of the study earlier this month, is required by state law to report the study’s findings regardless of whether or not they agree with them. That is way the footnote was vitally important in making their opinions clear to law makers. In the end the commission voted 5-1 in favor of the footnote with the only opposition coming from House Majority leader Pete Schwartzkopf.
The part of the note which pertains to the study reads as follows, “the Commission further concludes that it opposes the de facto finding in the report that would recommend two additional video lottery facilities, due to the potential job losses, not withstanding any net job gains, the potential damage to the horse racing industry and destabilization of the three current video lottery facilities."
The voting was done just in time for the General Assembly to reconvene. Legislators will be facing a lot of issues in regards to what direction to take on the expansion of the state’s gaming industry while making important decisions in how to handle the recent legalization of table games. Brian Selander, spokesman for Gov. Jack Markell, had this to say on the matter, "The Governor still believes additional venues may be viable but the specifics in terms of location, business relationship with the state, effect on existing venues and other issues would need to be resolved."
As it stands the Commission has done everything it can do to make its point clear. It will be up to the General Assembly to decide what they do with the information. With neighboring states proving to be an increasing form of competition for the small state, their decision may not be set in stone just yet. The situation may definitely prove to be something to keep an eye on in the coming months.
|
Subscribe to this comment's feed
