Recent Gambling News …

(In Minnesota – 1.23.04)

Minnesota lawmakers heard testimony Thursday about four casino proposals that their sponsors said would produce hundreds of millions of dollars to provide college scholarships, build sports stadiums, improve the lives of Indians on two impoverished reservations or pay for almost any other state priority.

Members of two state House committees also heard Minnesota Lottery director George Andersen estimate that another plan to authorize up to 10 slot machines in every bar across the state would yield the most money of all — more than $300 million a year.

** WOW – slot machines in every bar?

(In Tennessee -1.20.04)

Lottery fans dreaming of riches waited patiently until after midnight to try their luck as Tennessee became the last state in the Southeast to offer legal gambling.

The start of the Tennessee games, with proceeds earmarked for college scholarships, comes over a year after voters overwhelmingly approved a measure to lift the state’s constitutional ban on lotteries, which are now expected to bring in $900 million a year for the state.

** WOW – the last state to assimilate?

(In Illinois – 1.19.04)

On the issue of gambling, 2004 is already generating a healthy dose of deja vu.

Once again, the state’s spending plan is coming up billions short. Once again, the door is open for gambling expansion to assist in the financial burden. And once again, Gov. Rod Blagojevich is holding the cards.

** WOW – looking to generate billions?

Seems like states are in dire need of extra cash flow (whats new) – Id think online gaming sure would help them all.