W.Va. Senate passes casino bill
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CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) - The West Virginia Senate has passed legislation that would allow racetracks to open a second casino in the same county.
The bill sponsor, Sen. Eric Nelson, R-Kanawha, said it could have direct impact on the Charleston Town Center. He said pairing a casino with the coliseum next door and nearby restaurants, hotels and parking would be a magnet to revitalize the area.
“We have different forms of gaming right now, as it relates to online gaming as well as limited video lottery, but this is in a controlled environment and would bring in much more activity and spending dollars in many other ways,” Nelson said.
Senators passed the legislation Tuesday by a 23-10 vote. It now moves to the House for further consideration.
Those voting against the measure did not offer debate prior to passage.
“I promised to defend Christian values and, as you know, gambling isn’t looked fondly upon many. However, I am a free market capitalist and I can see some value to the bill,” said Sen. Mark Maynard, R-Wayne, one of the opposing votes.
Senate Bill 100, if passed, would require support from the county commission, a voter referendum and approval from the state Lottery.
Charleston resident Ed Howard liked the idea.
“People are used to going out and entertaining themselves at the different racetracks,” he said. “I think it would be imperative to draw people and a population contingence down here to the mall to give it some activity and give it some life.”
The legislation would require any satellite casino to be located within the same county as its existing greyhound or horse racetrack. Gaming companies would be limited to two locations in a given county — the existing racetrack and one satellite facility, according to the bill.
Specifically with regards to the Town Center, it also would require a lease or sale agreement between the mall’s owner and Delaware North, which owns the Mardi Gras Casino and Resort in Cross Lanes.
The mall’s owner did not return a request for comment.
A Delaware North spokesman said the company is monitoring the legislation and would consider its options at the appropriate time.
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