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August 25, 2008 (InfoPowa News) — Three years ago, the governor of Alaska convened a task force to look at whether a gaming commission should be established. The conclusions reached by the task force were interesting in that it recommended that online gambling be regulated in the state; that illegal gambling be more vigorously prosecuted, but that the power to expand gaming should remain with the Legislature.
Fast forward to 2008, where the Anchorage Daily News reports that voters will be asked this week whether they want to create a Gaming Commission within the Alaskan Department of Revenue, hopefully halting the bitter rivalry between pro- and anti-gambling forces.
Under the proposal, a seven-member commission would have authority to expand gambling by allowing slot machines, poker rooms, lotteries or any form of waging game. This impinges seriously on the turf of the politicians, who have hitherto held that power but have been bogged down by arguments about what is and is not acceptable, with the involvement of passionate debate from all shades of public opinion.
The seven members on the commission would be appointed by the governor and approved by the Legislature. The five voting members would serve staggered terms of five years. Only three would be needed for a quorum.
Supporters of creating the commission through Ballot Measure 1 say clear decisions allowing more gambling will attract tourists, keep revenue in-state that is now going to Nevada or to online gambling sites, and possibly create jobs and provide additional money to the state coffers through new taxes.
