Antigua
The World Trade Organization (WTO) has released the findings of a three-member panel that was established to assess the United States’ compliance with a 2005 Internet gambling ruling. That dispute was brought on—and won—by Antigua and Barbuda, which complained U.S. practices were unfair to the international market. The WTO panel found that the United States has done nothing to comply with the original ruling, and rejected arguments that the United States applies its laws against remote gambling in a non-discriminatory fashion. Dr. John W. Ashe, Antigua’s ambassador to the WTO, said: “This is a smashing success for Antigua in every possible way. The report will sweep away any lingering doubt that Antigua has obtained a clear and convincing win over the United States in this matter. It is now time for the United States to meet its international trade obligations to Antigua and work with us in a constructive manner to resolve this dispute.” Following the 2005 decision, the United States was supposed to clarify a narrow point of U.S. law regarding horseracing in order to come into compliance with the WTO’s ruling. In the time since, the panel found the United States has failed to clarify the horse racing issue, and has allowed a “flourishing remote account wagering industry” to exist, despite its alleged prohibition. The United States may appeal this latest finding.
England
Las Vegas-style casinos won’t be moving into the United Kingdom any time soon. The House of Lords has struck down a plan for the country’s first and only super-casino to be built in Manchester. The vote also killed plans for 16 smaller casinos across the country, even though most members of Parliament were not opposed to them. The House of Commons approved the proposal, leaving the future of new gaming in the U.K. uncertain. Parliament may still consider an amended version of the plan, but it could be months before it returns to a vote. Potential investors remain confident the market will eventually open up to larger casinos. Meanwhile, the High Court is slated to review the rules surrounding the potential new wave of casinos in response to complaints from current operators and the British Casino Association, who believe their businesses would be hit hard by an influx of larger casinos
Indiana
Campaigning in Kentucky is reportedly making Indiana nervous about its future in the gaming industry. Officials in Clark County, Ind., fear loosened gaming restrictions across the river in Kentucky will dash the chances of bringing a riverboat casino to its side of the bank—a proposal voters approved in November. In Kentucky, most of the seven Democrats vying for their party’s nomination for governor in the May 22 primary have said they support land-based casinos and slot machines at race tracks. All three Republican hopefuls are opposed, so if Kentucky goes Red, it could be smoother sailing for this project in Indiana.
Kansas
The games are set to begin in Kansas. The state Legislature has approved a bill authorizing four resort-style casinos and three slot machine-only racinos. Gov. Kathleen Sebelius signed the bill into law April 11, 2007. Local approval from the counties where the casinos would be built is the final step. If passed, full-fledged casinos owned by the state would open in Kansas City, Wichita, Dodge City, and somewhere in the southwestern area of the state. It is unknown if there will be a limit on the number of slot machines or table games. The three slot machine-only properties would operate out of racetracks near Kansas City, Wichita, and Dodge City. They will divide 2,200 games between them. Private companies will submit their plans to the Kansas Lottery Commission, which will choose the best plan for each area. The state would tax casino gaming revenues at 22 percent, in addition to a $25 million fee. The casinos would also pay 1.5 percent in city taxes, 1.5 percent to the county, and two percent to the state to fund problem gambling initiatives. Companies interested in opening one of the casinos will be required to invest at least $225 million. The state would tax slot revenue from the racinos at 40 percent, with a $2,500 fee per machine. Industry analysts have said the only negative thing about Kansas’ potential as a gaming state is the affect the Kansas City market could have on casinos currently operating across the river in Kansas City, Mo.: Harrah’s, Isle of Capri, Penn National Gaming, and Ameristar Casinos. Some critics reportedly worry the language of the law leaves an opening for gaming expansion in the future.
Pennsylvania
New state-approved casinos in Philadelphia are meeting opposition from Philadelphians. Anti-casino activists had a major victory when the city council passed legislation that asks voters to prohibit casinos within 1,500 feet of homes, churches, parks, and schools. The issue will appear on the May 15 primary election ballot. If approved, both the Foxwoods and SugarHouse casinos—slated to be built on state-approved sites near the Delaware River—would be affected…or not. Many predict that if it gets that far, the issue will be decided by the state Supreme Court, and that the court will find the city does not have the authority to override the state, regardless of local voters’ stance on the issue.
West Virgina
Table gaming is on the ballot for Ohio County in West Virginia, after approval from the County Commission. A June 9 special election will determine whether the Wheeling Island Racetrack and Gaming Center will be allowed to offer table games.