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Bill to triple gambling machines at track is OK’d

Thursday, July 7, 2005 | 9:31 a.m.

SALEM, Ore. -- In a move that supporters say will help save horse racing in the state, the Oregon House approved a bill that would expand the number of slot and video poker machines at Portland Meadows.

Wagering at the racetrack has been relatively flat in recent years as bettors have turned to other forms of gambling. Lobbyists said more machines are needed to entice bettors to the track, where they might take a break from the slots to try the ponies.

Under the terms of the bill approved Wednesday, the track could have 30 machines, triple the current number. The bill now goes to the Senate, where its prospects are uncertain.

Portland Meadows is owned by Magna Entertainment Corp., which has sought to convert its racetracks in the United States and Canada into racinos that combine live racing and casino gambling.

Lobbyist Larry Campbell said the operation is losing about $1 million a year.

"This is an effort to identify something that will bring people to the horse track," said Campbell, the former House speaker.

Late last year, Magna closed its racing operation at the Multnomah Greyhound Park in Wood Village because of financial losses.

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