August 12, 2009
U.S. states are expanding the gambling business as a way to mitigate the effects of the economic downturn, the USA Today reported Monday.
A dozen states will take the approach this year, which could generate 2 billion U.S. dollars of extra tax revenues by 2010, according to the report.
Ohio will put 17,500 slot machines at seven racetracks, a move which could bring in 933 million dollars in extra tax revenue next year.
Pennsylvania's legislature and government are working on legalizing video poker in bars while Illinois approved adding video poker at bars.
William Thompson, a public administration professor at the University of Nevada, said officials in the states prefer expanding gambling rather than increasing tax to shore up state revenues at tough times.
Legalized gambling has grown for two decades in United States, and its growth often leaps during economic downturns, he said.
Casinos are now legal in 40 of 50 U.S. states, up from 31 in 2000.
The states are also relaxing regulations on casino locations, hours and betting limits.