Let the Games Begin

With the same level of fanfare that marked their two previous-but-doomed attempts, the state's racetracks and their allies unveiled this session's casino table games legislation today.

All four track CEOs were on hand to herald the new bills, joined by other executives, dozens of track workers and a number of their local officials. Charleston Mayor Danny Jones was particularly pointed in his remarks targeting table games opponents.

As I point out in my story, supporters have sought to sweeten the deal by promising some of the proceeds to police, fire and deputy sheriff pension funds. That money is in addition to a higher state tax rate, and a percentage earmarked for thoroughbred and greyhound breeders' funds.

The Associated Press offers a glance of the proposal's highlights.

Though introduced today, the table games legislation has been a topic earlier this session (previous posts here and here).