Tomorrow we get to exercise that precious franchise, the vote. So don’t oversleep, ‘kay?
As everyone knows by now, the big rumble is in Massachusetts, where an attempt to repeal the state’s casino law is failing by a substantial margin in the polls, 
overwhelmingly outspent by MGM Resorts International, Penn National Gaming and latecomer Wynn Resorts. However, several ‘sure thing’ casino projects got voted down over the past two years, so nothing should be taken for granted. Casino repeal has the support of the Boston Globe and of Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D), but not of gubernatorial aspirants frontrunner Charlie Baker (R) and Attorney General Martha Coakley (D, left). Pro-casino forces are keeping their fingers crossed because a “yes” vote means nixing casinos and a “no” vote is for keeping them. S&G urges a “no” vote tomorrow.
* In Colorado, it’s casino vs. racino in a battle that would put one racino each in Pueblo, Arapahoe and Mesa counties. This isn’t the quick fix it looks like: Only Arapahoe County would be able to have casino gambling in 2015 while the others would have to wait until 2019 (because they have no operational tracks, unlike Arapahoe). Gaming interests in Cripple Creek, Central City and Black Hawk are opposed. “When mountain communities lose customers to the new casino in Arapahoe County, these mountain communities lose economic activity and pay less in gambling taxes,” they write.
The aspirations of, say, Southern Colorado Gaming & Events Center are a bit rose-colored, though, and recent economic data doesn’t suggest there is enough gambling money in the Colorado economy to make everyone happy. The would-be racinos are pulling dollars from TV buys and switching to a door-to-door campaign in what is seen as a last-ditch approach. Although the new tax dollars from the proposition are earmarked for education, no school districts are supporting racinos. S&G is skeptical but neutral.
* In California, well-publicized Proposition 48 would claw back the off-reservation casino granted to the North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians, a land grant that has cleared the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Legislature and Gov. Jerry Brown‘s 
desk, so it’s difficult to say it hasn’t been properly vetted. (Just for the record: Station Casinos would build the facility and take a 30%) cut of the profits. Sen. Diane Feinstein (D) can pound the table and shout, “Enough is enough” to her heart’s content but there’s no convincing evidence here of rampant ‘reservation shopping.’ “Prop 48 is bad for California’s environment and it doesn’t provide any additional funding for California’s school districts or our state’s general fund,” exclaims casino opponent Cheryl Schmit. Perhaps she ought to be concerned with one of her allies, the hopelessly dysfunctional Chukchansi Gold Mountain Resort & Casino, where intratribal factions are literally at gunpoint with one another.
Passage of Prop 48 could also bring back Bush-era policies that thwarted the would be opening of a Los Coyotes Band of Cahuilla & Cupeño Indians casino in Barstow. Currently, the Bureau of Indian Affairs is publishing an environmental-impact report, a hopeful sign if the land is to be taken into trust. S&G urges a “no” vote on Prop 48.
* South Dakota appears disinclined to allow roulette, craps and keno in its casinos. Although the proposal is trailing in the polls, S&G advocates a “yes” vote.
* Kansas has casinos — so why not raffles for charities and other nonprofits? It seems like a common-sense proposition and has the support of Gov. Sam Brownback (R). S&G says vote “yes.”
* S&G endorses a similar bill in Tennessee.
* In Rhode Island, a convoluted ballot question (or one question masquerading as two) would ask voters statewide if Newport Grand can add 70 table games and whether it should require voter permission to relocate. On the plus side, investors are ready to plow $40 million into Newport Grand if tables are permitted. To the minus, the state would get an 18% rake of table revenue and the City of Newport would get bupkes. Nevertheless, S&G advocates a “yes” vote.
* Management’s scorched-earth tactics at Trump Taj Mahal are paying off. It has whipsawed a contingent of 100 workers into echoing its demand for further tax relief from Atlantic City Mayor Don Guardian. But it’s kind of hard to take that kind of bold stance when you’re behind on your taxes already. “They owe us $20 million. They came for tax [help]. We gave them what they wanted, and they’re back at the trough again. I told the Trump people I can’t do anymore,” said Guardian. He’s promised to support the Taj in its pursuit of state relief, but state Sen. Stephen Sweeney is measuring up as a formidable opponent.
