More liberal payouts proposed

Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2003 | 9:31 a.m.

SANTA FE, N.M. -- Horse-racing tracks and veterans and fraternal clubs could increase the payout from their slot machines under a bill approved unanimously by the state House on Monday.

Current law requires slot machines to pay out the equivalent of 80 percent to 96 percent of wagering.

Track operators support the change because they say it will help them compete with Indian casinos, which do not have a cap on slot machine payouts but do have a minimum 80 percent payout.

"We'll have more people playing the slot machines at race tracks and fraternals," Rep. Henry Kiki Saavedra, D-Albuquerque, said. "It's good for the players."

The measure goes to the Senate for consideration.

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