West Virginia May Be Next State to Allow Poker

America has 26 states in which casinos with tables games, including poker, are legal. In 2006, West Virginia may become the 27th.

West Virginia is one of 33 states that allow only slots or video gaming in their parlors. Legislation to allow casinos to spread table games has failed to pass twice in recent years, but the third time might be the charm because increased competition from neighboring states will lead to loss of tax dollars.

"We're hopeful it (passes). We're going to lobby hard for it," said Robert D. Marshall Jr., president of Wheeling Island Racing and Gaming Center.

To the east, Pennsylvania will soon plug in 37,000 slot machines in 14 locations, including one in Pittsburgh, which is a little more than an hour's drive away from Wheeling Island Racetrack and Gaming Center. State law allow up to 61,000 machines to be operated in Pennsylvania.

To the north, the Eastern Shawnee Tribe has bought land in Ohio for casino development, although it appears a new governor would have to be in place for that to happen since the current administration has publicly opposed the legalization of gambling in Ohio.

Marshall estimates that when Pennsylvania comes online - the gaming board has until the end of 2006 to hand out licenses - West Virginia will lose $160 million a year in taxes. Marshall's track will lose $40 million alone.

He says if table games aren't approved, 250 employees will lose their jobs at Wheeling Island.

But he claims that by adding craps, black jack, roulette, Easy Rider, and a poker room, he would have to add 400 jobs to his casino and would generate millions in tax dollars across the state.

West Virginia has four racinos in Kanawha, Jefferson, Hancock, and Ohio counties. Kanawha is the only county located in the interior of the state; the other three counties border Pennsylvania, Ohio, or Virginia. Marshall hopes legislators allow only voters in those four counties to vote on the issue later this year.

"Instead of losing $160 million, the states will hold onto it with a swing of $160 million," he said. "We're going to lobby hard for tables and introduce a local option bill."

If tables games are approved, Marshall will place 50 of them on the main floor and open a 25-table poker room.

The tables games would also lead to expansion.

"Quite frankly, a table game customer wants more amenities," he said.

If tables games are approved, a new hotel would probably be constructed in Wheeling.

The state legislators return to work Jan. 11.

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