Lawmakers approve bill allowing slots for veterans groups

Publication Date: 2013-07-01

• Author:Doug Denison
• Publication:The News Journal

After some last-minute legislative wrangling, the General Assembly passed legislation to permanently allow veterans organizations across the state to legally operate slot machines on their premises.

The House passed the bill after adding language that stripped a Senate provision that would have broadened the bill to allow other private clubs not affiliated with veterans groups to have the machines

The legislation requires groups such as the American Legion, Moose and Veterans of Foreign Wars, to contribute 40 percent of proceeds from gambling to the state, which will run the machines through the same central computer system used for casino slots. Of the share kept by the organizations, 40 percent must be used to support charitable causes.

Wilmington lawmakers in the House argued against a late amendment introduced Sunday to exclude other non-veteran groups from the bill, saying that small neighborhood clubs in the city deserve the same opportunity to raise charitable funds with slots.

“These organizations still hold turkey drives and food closets and clothing drives and Christmas parties for the neighborhood,” said Rep. Helene Keeley, D-Wilmington South.

Rep. Earl Jaques, who brought the amendment, said he was concerned that broadening the bill would expand slots operation to an unknown number of private clubs.

Other amendments to require organizations that run slots to abide by the same indoor smoking ban as public bars and restaurants were stricken by sponsor Rep. Dennis E. Williams, D-Talleyville....