Gambling

AG Approves Ohio Casino Initiative Language

Joe Mathews — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 19:06:00 -0400

Ohio's attorney general blocked the first proposed summary language for a statewide ballot initiative that would permit the opening of four casinos in that state. The proponents submitted new language, and now the a.g. has signed off, Business First of Columbus reports.

What's next? Ohio is one of a handful of places with a ballot board, which must review and approve initiatives before they go on the ballot.

Missouri's 'Tamper Proof' Education Fund May Be Tapped

Joe Mathews — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 16:27:00 -0500

During the Prop A campaign in Missouri, voters were told that the measure, which loosened restrictions on gambling, would produce money for a "tamper proof" education fund that couldn't be tapped for any spending other than schools. But now, with the state budget a mess and the economy heading south, Missouri lawmakers are preparing to do some tampering.

Missouri is hardly alone in this. Dozens of states are breaking into voter-approved funds. In California, going after funding sources the voters set aside for other purposes has become the state sport. Gov. Schwarzenegger, who rose to power by championing a ballot initiative to set aside for after-school programs, has joined the bandwagon, calling for raids on voter-approved funds for mental health and children's program in his budget proposal this week.

Tribe to State: Never Mind

Joe Mathews — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 16:45:00 -0500

Tribal gaming has been a frequent subject of initiative and referenda in California for the past decade. Back in February, labor forced referenda on four new gaming compacts between the state and Indian tribes. One of those tribes, Sycuan band, based in El Cajon, has failed to ratify the compact internally (despite approval from the U.S. Department of the Interior). This is shocking, because Sycuan spent millions to defend its compact (which would have authorized up to 5,000 slots and a second, off-reservation casino) and those of other tribes before voters. What's behind the decision? The economy and tribal politics. The Union-Tribune has details.