THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, August 9, 1996 TAG: 9608090002
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A16 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Editorial
LENGTH: 50 lines
Aew years ago you had to go to Nevada or New Jersey to lose your money in a casino. Now, because of an unquenchable thirst for gambling revenues, 24 states have legalized casino gambling.
As recently as the winter of 1995, when riverboat gambling was rejected by the General Assembly, it seemed unlikely Virginia would open that Pandora's box. But the developers of the state's proposed horse-racing track are hinting that slot machines - the biggest moneymaker for any casino - would help fatten purses and make Virginia's horse-racing industry competitive with neighboring states.
Virginians must remain clear-headed when they ponder the gaming industry and how big a toehold they want it to gain in their state.
Just as opponents of legalized gambling predicted, once the door was opened a little bit - to allow a state lottery - other gaming interests were quick to follow. Horse racing was legalized in 1989 and fast on its heels came off-track betting. Now one-armed bandits are on the horizon.
Where should Virginia draw the line on gambling? The lottery is here to stay. But the same can't be said for horse racing. Judging from the foot-dragging pace at which the developers of Colonial Downs are proceeding, horse racing alone may be a losing proposition. In fact, a Texas racetrack partly backed by the Colonial Downs developer just closed.
Colonial Downs backers seem more interested in off-track action than actually building a quality racetrack.
The voters of Virginia approved pari-mutuel betting and horse racing only. If that is not a profitable enterprise, the public ought to be told that and horse racing ought to be abandoned.
But the Colonial Downs folks are hinting that slot machines would be an attractive way to beef up purses and attract quality horses to Virginia's proposed racetrack.
Forty-eight states now allow some form of legalized gambling. It is the fastest-growing industry in the United States, and Americans wager an estimated $500 billion a year on legalized gambling.
Those numbers tell the story. For Virginia to remain aloof while its neighbors jump into more and more forms of legalized gambling will require firm resolve from politicians - and the public.
Just as compulsive gamblers can't leave the table until they've lost every penny, so states have a difficult time saying no to the get-rich-quick promises of the gaming industry.
Gov. George Allen says he is opposed to slot machines. Lt. Gov. Don Beyer and Attorney General James Gilmore agree with him. These men and the members of the General Assembly will maintain their resolve in the years ahead to keep more forms of legalized gambling out of the Old Dominion. by CNB