Gaming briefs for May 25, 2004

Tuesday, May 25, 2004 | 10:51 a.m.

Track, casino promoted

HOBBS, N.M. -- The state could see millions of additional dollars pumped into its coffers thanks to a horse track and casino under construction here.

Bruce Rimbo, a partner in Zia Park Race Track & Casino, told members of the Legislative Finance Committee last week that the new track and casino is projected to pay about $12 million each year in gambling taxes.

The $43 million project is also bringing southeastern New Mexico hundreds of constructions jobs and more than 200 casino jobs, Rimbo said.

The new casino, scheduled to open in mid-November, is projected to have more than 1 million visitors each year. Rimbo said many of those visitors will be snapping up area hotel rooms and going out for meals.

Tracks pay the state 25 percent of their net slot revenue, and the four tracks currently doing business in New Mexico are projected to pay the state more than $40 million this fiscal year.

Controversy stems from video lottery

VIENNA, W.Va. -- The Wood County Commission has called a special meeting to discuss whether it should allow a video lottery operator to open a business across the street from a Baptist Church.

The commission imposed a 90-day moratorium earlier this year on new video lottery retailers while it considered a proposed ordinance that would restrict where such establishments can locate. The moratorium, which expires this week, would prevent new video-lottery locations from opening within 1,000 feet of any church, school, playground, park, recreation area, residence, hotel, library or state building.

Video-lottery business owners have protested the proposed rule, saying it goes against state law.

The building across from the church is surrounded by Vienna city property but sits on land that is not within city limits. Vienna City Council members who oppose its opening last week expressed frustration at that fact.

"It just makes you sick when you're helpless," Mayor David C. Nohe has said.