West Virginia Charles Town Casino Could be First with Table Games
West Virginia voters in Jefferson County will be going to the polls on June 9 to vote on a referendum to allow table games at Charlestown Race & Slots. Proponents of the Bill are pushing hard for passage stating various benefits that will enhance the quality of life for everyone in the county.
"This measure will dedicate millions in new revenues to our schools. It will let us get our school buildings back in good condition and free up funds for teacher salaries – without raising taxes. We won't get a better chance than this to help our schools. That's why every member of our Board of Education supports a YES vote," says Pete Dougherty, President of Jefferson County Board of Education.
Ranson Chief of Police, Bill Roper said, "Charlestown Races has been a good citizen. Adding slot machines there 10 years ago has provided significant benefits to our county without creating the problems opponents predicted. Allowing the track to offer table games will just increase those benefits."
Edwin Smith, Fire chief of Jefferson County stated "every year Charlestown Races donates hundreds of thousands of dollars to local charities, school programs and police and fire departments. Voting yes would enable the track to continue and potentially increase these important contributions."
As we reported earlier this year, the State Legislature approved table games in the state of West Virginia; it is now up to voters in four counties to decide if they want them at the existing race venues. If approved, it will join Iowa as the only other state to have full casino action at racetracks.
Members for the push on allowing this include many educators, civic and community leaders, Horseman, Breeders and Farmers.
If voters approve the referendum, $1.5 million per year would be dedicated to fund school improvements and new school construction in Jefferson County. An estimated $3.2 Million per year in additional property taxes for the new table game and hotel facilities will provide for even more classroom education, police and fire, and it will help hold down property taxes.
Each racetrack that gets approval will pay annually $2.5 million for licensing which is dedicated to in-home care senior citizens.
Approval will create hundreds of new jobs with benefits in the hotel, construction and casino industry as well as helping to preserve local family farms and open space providing more revenues for horseman and breeders. |
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