Blotter: More casinos in Michigan?

A confrontation is on the horizon over the idea of horse tracks in the state of Michigan potentially adding slot machines and table games in an attempt to boost their declining revenues. A citizens' group known as "Racing to Save Michigan" wants to see a referendum on the November 2010 ballot. They made some progress on that front last week when they presented their arguments before a state elections board.

State election officials recently approved the petition the group created. Members of “Racing to Save Michigan” plan on distributing the petition to registered voters over the next six weeks. In order for the measure to appear on next year’s ballot, the group must gather three hundred eighty thousand valid voter signatures. The suggested amendment to the state's constitution would permit the opening of five new casinos at the state's horse tracks.

The state currently has twenty-two casinos in operation, with another on the way, including three in the Detroit metropolitan area. If the measure passes, that number could be over thirty, more than such gambling destinations as New Jersey and Louisiana. Also, Michigan competes for gambling dollars with the Canadian province of Ontario, including the Casino Windsor and the Windsor Raceway just across the border near Detroit.

If passed, the referendum would allow the state's five horse tracks to bring in slot machines or more extended gaming activities. The group says that their proposal would help save the declining horse racing business. According to Daniel Adkins, vice president of Hazel Park Harness Raceway, if the referendum were not placed on the ballot and approved by the voters, “horse racing in Michigan is all but dead”.

Mr. Adkins also said that the locations for the proposed “racinos” would require approval by local voters if the amendment passed. He also mentioned that twelve other states have similar rules that that “they’re working well” in those areas. He estimated that the state could auction three other casino licenses not related to the racetracks and could bring in up to US$100 million.

23-Oct-2009, 21:23

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petition

Sun, 02/28/2010 - 20:53 — dorothy richards (not verified)

i read about your cause in the state journal (lansing) i, & several of my friends would like to sign your petition. please advise me on how i can do that. we need this, especially in lansing. people need the jobs. so i am all for it. thanks

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