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Would building new casinos feed the state’s coffers, or is it too risky a gambit?
(page 1 of 5)
Delaware racino executives such as Dover Downs’ Ed Sutor and Delaware Park’s Bill Fasy see the share of gaming revenues returned to the state as a tax that would kill development of existing casinos. Wayne Lemons, head of the Delaware State Lottery, views the revenue retained by the racinos’ gaming operations as a commission paid by the state.
With such fundamental differences over what constitutes an income and what constitutes a tax, it’s little wonder why competing forces in the local gaming industry are at such odds over the expansion of gaming sites in Delaware.
It’s an issue members of the legislature will have to settle for themselves before voting on a bill to allow new casinos to operate in the state. The proposal, introduced in the house last year, was tabled until the current session, at Governor Jack Markell’s request. At issue: Will building more casinos spell doom for the three existing operations, or would new operations generate a dependable—and large enough—stream of revenue for the state?
The disagreement is huge.
Page 2: Two Points of View
