Nov. 7 referendum set on casino

Wednesday, June 14, 2000 | 10:37 a.m.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Gambling opponents plan to fan out into Greenbrier County's churches, civic clubs and community groups in hopes of persuading voters to reject a proposed casino at the historic Greenbrier resort.

The county commission on Tuesday set a Nov. 7 referendum on whether to permit the Greenbrier to open a casino.

The commission's 3-0 vote moves the proposed Stork Club a giant step forward, giving voters the final say on whether guests at the posh resort in White Sulphur Springs may play at blackjack tables and other Monte Carlo-type games.

The Rev. Alvie Edwards, president of West Virginia Families Against Casino Gambling, fears that if gambling is allowed at the Greenbrier, other resorts in the state will clamor for casinos. He said it would be difficult to justify allowing a casino at one resort while barring gambling at the others.

"I think basically gambling is evil because gambling destroys lives," he said.