Slots legalized in West Virginia

Monday, April 23, 2001 | 11:11 a.m.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- The Legislature on Saturday passed Gov. Bob Wise's bill to legalize, regulate and tax 9,000 video poker machines in West Virginia, sending the much debated proposal to the governor for his signature.

The bill legalizes and taxes payouts from the so-called gray machines to raise revenue for pay raises, infrastructure and the PROMISE scholarship program.

A compromise reached Saturday would allow half of the permits to be distributed first to in-state bars, clubs, fraternal and veteran organizations that currently have Class A liquor licenses. The remaining half would be bid.

Video poker machines are legal if used for amusement purposes. The problem, Wise and others have said, is the machines have become illegal gambling devices where players receive winnings.

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