Colorado state voters have dismissed expanded gaming several times, but that has not stopped legislators from discussing possibly granting voters another shot in November 2010. The new gaming proposal that is circulating in the state involves video keno machines.
Lawmakers are divided on the idea of installing video keno machines at restaurants and bars. If approved, the keno machines would bring millions of dollars into the state budget, but it would also come with the potential for causing social disturbances.
The current proposal being reviewed would bring $100 million yearly to a state currently ranks in the bottom three in the country for support to their colleges and universities.
Legislators understand the importance to begin helping these higher education establishments. Senator Chris Romer said on April 20th, 2010 that what this bill does is ask voters as a last option to basically approve a lottery expansion to support education and keep tuition fee and college education affordable in the state.
Other legislators are concerned that introducing more gaming into neighborhoods could have a bad effect on the community. The possibility of problem gaming is one that lawmakers would like to guard against. Many states throughout the United States have turned to gaming as an option to get through the economic difficulties arising from the financial crisis.
Casino gaming has been at the forefront of the expansion effort, but several states have simply improved their lottery options.
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Louis Blechdom
