On June 1st, 2009, some states are doing it through new gaming facilities. Other states are fulfilling their goal by approving video poker machines. Connecticut apparently will try to fix their enormous budget deficit with the help of casino gaming. There have been a lot of talks by Connecticut legislators about how to expand gaming in the state.
Even with all the debate, a lot of these legislators were surprised by the proposal of Governor M. Jodi Rell to include the game in the brand new two year budget. At the center of the issue with keno gaming is a compact that Connecticut has with the Indian tribes, which permits them to run casino facilities in the state.
There is a chance that keno gaming could violate the existing gaming compact, but some legislators believe that would not be the case. Representative Stephen Dargan said that there is nothing in the current gaming compact that blocks keno.
The two Indian tribes itself had no comment on the keno issue and stated that they would first study the plan before making any comment regarding the legality of the game to the gaming compact. The last thing that Connecticut wants is to violate the gaming compact they have with the Mashantucket Pequot tribe.
The state is earning the benefits of both the Mohegan Sun Casino and Foxwoods Casino. If pass, keno would bring in millions of dollars in profits for Connecticut. That money would help the state from cutting important programs for their budget.
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John Sullivan
