The legislators behind a proposal to permit keno in bars and restaurants went all out on April 22nd, 2010 with an amendment to open a full horse racing tracks and video lottery machines at the State Fairgrounds in Pueblo as well.
Keno would produce about $60 million annually and the new fairground venue could produce another $40 million to $60 million, bill author Sen. Chris Romer (D-Denver), predicted.
The additional money would be allocated toward work study and other monetary aid for college students, who could face substantial tuition fee increases in 2011-2012 as the federal stimulus money now supporting state colleges stops flowing.
The late in the session proposal could start a battle between casino facilities and the education community, although the state gaming association refused to take a position on the proposal until they can study it on Thursday.
Romer said that in return for support from the gambling industry, the proposal would ban video lottery from anywhere other than the fairgrounds. Romer said that they have had their support from the state officials. It is now the right time to help the middle class through financial aid, referring to state voter approval of a 2008 initiative expanding casino table games, limits and hours.
Senate Concurrent Resolution 10 would have receive 2/3 support from the legislature before going to the voters in November 2010. Romer and Senator Abel Tapia (D-Pueblo), unveiled the resolution on April 21st, 2010, Wednesday, although it only included the game of keno at that time.
Colorado's public colleges and universities face an estimated $300 million budget deficit beginning July 1st, 2011. Legislators are moving forward with a bill that would give them the chance to raise tuition fee beyond the current caps.
Under the current state law, the Colorado Lottery could offer video lottery machines, but the proceeds could not be alloted to financial aid without modifying the state constitution.
Video lottery terminals feature games that are similar to those found on video-slot machines, although they are operated through a central system and connected to an single jackpot. Tapia said that plans to open a racing track in New Mexico will attract Colorado residents out of state and the State Fair could use some boost.
Under their plan, the Fairgrounds would be remodeled into a full racing track with an adjacent casino facility. Meanwhile, the proposal for keno across Colorado met with criticism on Thursday from the Protect Our Neighborhoods.
Group Secretary and Centennial Councilman Ron Weidman said that the proposal as written does not limit the number of video lottery machines permitted in bars and restaurants.
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John M. Thorpe
