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Racino rumors abound, but nothing filed
Rumors are swirling over the possible introduction of a ballot initiative to bring casino-style gambling to Arizona’s racetrack industry. Officials with Bennett’s office late last week had heard tales of the initiative, as had other political observers.
Panelists debate expanded Arizona gambling proposals
As lawmakers and the governor turn every stone and flip every couch cushion for any extra money, the debate about the expansion of gambling – and the money that it could bring to state and local coffers – flares around Arizona.
Gambling pitched as Arizona’s budget salvation
The struggling Arizona racing industry is hoping it can sell lawmakers on a proposal to help racetracks stay open and give the state hundreds of millions of dollars in new revenue. But the idea faces resistance on several fronts, as it would expand gambling by allowing "racinos" and by lifting limits on tribal casinos.
Wanted: new revenue
Lawmakers will be facing quite the conundrum in 2010 - how to raise more revenue for the cash-strapped state without raising taxes. The Republican-led Legislature stymied attempts by Gov. Jan Brewer to put a sales tax increase on the ballot, and outright rejected the idea of passing a tax increase itself.
Allow racinos to balance budget
It's against a distressing fiscal backdrop that the subject of the Arizona's gaming policy has come due for review. Briefly expressed, that policy holds that some number of the state's Native American tribes shall be allowed indefinitely to reap billions of dollars from gambling receipts, and everyone else shall reap precious little.
‘Racino’ campaign – Betting on the come?
A large PR/advertising push to get the Legislature to permit slots and gambling tables at the state's six horse and dog tracks (YS first to report) began Monday (July 20) at the Capitol, where Rep. Andy Tobin found a small plastic "budget jockey" on his windshield, with a tag reading "Everyone's sacrificing except tribal casinos" and "The budget jockey is here to help."
