Governor M. Jodi Rell's plan to raise additional money by expanding legalized gambling like placing electronic keno games in restaurants, convenience stores and bars is unanimously opposed in a brand new poll, where 70 percent of the respondents are opposed against 27 percent of the respondents who are in favor of the plan.
A poll made by the Quinnipiac University and released on March 18th, 2010 found stiff opposition to the game of keno across different demographic groups, a result that will likely give Connecticut legislators pause as they study the merits of relying on additional gambling for new revenue.
Douglas Schwartz, the Quinnipiac poll director, said that voters disagree wth Governor Jodi Rell on the keno plan. He added that voters do not want to seen additional gaming expansion in the state.
Reviving highway tolls was not as unpopular, criticized by fifty-six percent and favored by forty percent. Legislation to bring back the highway tolls is considered unlikely to be approved this year. The Sunday sales of liquor in package stores was supported by voters, 56 percent to 39 percent.
But a bill to permit package stores to open on Sunday already has stalled in committee in the face of heavy criticism by package store owners. While the poll found solid support for Sunday sales, residents are not in favor of allowing grocery stores to sell alcohol and wine, 52% to 45%. Grocery stores can now sell beer.
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John M. Thorpe
