It has been reported that a lottery and gaming study commission in Delaware is supporting a multi-million-dollar taxpayer-funded bailout of three casinos in the state, but politicians opposing the measure have said that the bailout will not see the light of day.
News of the commission’s position comes courtesy of an item posted by Delaware Public Media. The article states that the bailout could come with a $45.8-million annual price tag.
The report states that the proposal – which would also see $3.5 million taken from the state and given directly to the horse racing industry – was passed by a narrow 5-4 vote. The article has cited state government officials as saying that the office of Governor Jack Markell does not support the proposal.
State Economic Development Director Alan Levin, who opposes the proposal, was quoted as saying, “Everybody had to bear some of the burden here and nobody is bearing except the state and the taxpayers and that’s the unfortunate thing in this deal.”
The Delaware Public Media report explains that the proposal looks to see the licencing fee for table games cut; the table-game tax rate reduced, and the state to take on a larger portion of video lottery vendor costs.
The article has cited House Speaker Pete Schwartzkopf as saying that the proposal will be a non-starter. Additionally, House Majority Leader Valerie Longhurst has stated that the legislation will never get drafted and that it will “never pass the House.”
(With files from the Delaware Public Media)
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