Senate vote looms for Table Games

The Senate could vote Tuesday on the racetrack table games bill, after its Finance Committee amended and advanced the legislation 10-6 this morning.

As The Associated Press reports, the committee increased the proposed state tax on the games by 36 percent to 35 percent (the bill as introduced on the racetrack's behest had set a 24 percent rate).

Elements of the racing industry, meanwhile, are skittish about the reduced share for prize purses. I spoke with several Senate leaders who remain adamant in their support of that position.

I also spoke with gambling opponents who plan to reach out Sunday to churchgoers in the hopes that the minds _ and votes _ of enough lawmakers can be changed. These folks also seek to change the debate over percentages and cuts to the social costs and pegging so much revenue on this source.

MetroNews also has a story on today's development, as does W.Va. Media.