Casino measure set to appear on November ballot

08.6.2008 | 7:00 am | News, casinos, gambling

It was announced today by the Colorado Secretary of State that a proposal to raise bet limits, extend casino opening hours and add games in Colorado’s three casino towns will appear on ballots in November, named as Amendment 50.
The three casino towns involved have been named as Cripple Creek, Black Hawk and Central City, areas which span two counties.

The measure would allow these towns to increase the maximum $5 bet to $100 – twenty times the current amount, and would also enforce 24-hour opening for casinos, instead of the current 2am closing time. Roulette and craps games would also be offered, alongside traditional games such as poker and blackjack.

It is clear from these somewhat drastic alterations that the bill is intended to expand the casino industry in Colorado, making it more profitable and more widely available to citizens. The status of the bill as an amendment suggests that it has already garnered a significant amount of support, as roughly 76,000 valid signatures have to be submitted with a proposal in order for it to be added to a ballot as an amendment.

However, the measure must first face a statewide vote in November if it is to pass to the later legislative stages of the process. If successful in the statewide vote, the measure must then face area-specific votes in Gilpin and Teller counties, where the casino towns in question are located.

The measure is seen as a positive one for the Colorado government as well, due to the fact that through taxation, it could generate an additional $5million or more a year for the state. The government have stated that, from this additional income, 78% of the money would be ploughed into state community colleges, with just 22% going to the casino towns – clearly showing the priorities of the state with regards to education. Overall then, this measure looks set to be a success.