Table Games - UPDATED

The state Senate has rolled back the proposed tax for racetrack table games to 35 percent, The Associated Press reports.

The change, made today on a tight 17-16 vote (1 absence), removes the amendment added to the bill last week by the Senate Finance Committee at the behest of Sen. Vic Sprouse, R-Kanawha.

Senators also voted today, 28-5, to sweeten the deal for the Eastern Panhandle. This amendment distributes some of the revenue from table games _ the 1 percent due each host county _ in proportion to what each track generates.

As Charles Town Races & Slots does more (gambling) business than the other three tracks, Jefferson County stands to gain the lion's share of that portion of track proceeds.

Several other amendments proposed Monday were rejected or ruled not relevant for consideration. They included another attempt to require a statewide vote.

It was defeated 11-22.

The vote on passage by the Senate remains scheduled for Tuesday,

MetroNews also has the story, after earlier setting the stage for today's action. Both links feature audio.

As I noted last week, gambling foes hoped to energize their base on Sunday. They want churchgoers statewide to deluge pro-bill lawmakers with appeals to oppose it.