Amendment 77 Would Be Economic Life Preserver For Struggling CO Gaming Towns
Assistance is required by gambling communities in Colorado.
The Colorado casino industry, including Black Hawk, Central City, and Cripple Creek, has been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, causing widespread financial devastation in the two counties and even the entire state.
Amendment 77 could be seen as a potential lifeline.
Beginning today, as voters in Colorado receive their general election ballots, they will notice the inclusion of the constitutional amendment.
PlayinСolorado was informed by Karen Crummy, the representative of Local Choice Colorado.
These historic towns were on the brink of disappearing when Colorado legalized gambling there three decades ago. Nevertheless, they managed to transform into vibrant destinations with a strong emphasis on gaming, building hotels, and establishing various retail establishments and restaurants. Today, the majority of their tax revenue comes from tourism and the revenue generated by gaming.
Despite their previous success, these cities are now in a life-or-death struggle due to the havoc wreaked by the coronavirus. COVID-19 has had a severe impact on Colorado’s once-thriving tourism and hospitality sector, and the recovery process is expected to take several years. The closures, furloughs, and reduced capacities have devastated these cities, leaving businesses, governments, and communities in a state of desperate exhaustion.
Cripple Creek and other cities could experience numerous advantages by lifting restrictions and introducing gaming opportunities. This change could lead to an increase in tax revenues, enhance regional economic opportunities, boost employment in travel and tourism, and generate higher profits for restaurants, hotels, and casinos.
Describe Amendment 77.
The suggested amendment aims to grant the residents of three gaming towns the authority to authorize the highest wager limit for any sum. Initially referred to as Initiative No. 257, the amendment acquired the necessary 125,000 signatures to be included on the ballot.
The citizens also agreed to expand the range of permitted games, including blackjack, craps, poker, roulette, and slots, in addition to what is already allowed by the Colorado Constitution.
Nevertheless, the action does not affect Colorado’s gaming laws.
In the event of program approval, residents of the three towns will be granted the opportunity to partake in a local election. This election will serve as a means for determining their collective decision on whether to proceed with expanding the current betting restrictions and games.
As stated by Crummy:
The fundamental principle of self-governance is the foundation of Amendment 77. This amendment empowers the residents of Cripple Creek, Central City, and Black Hawk to make significant decisions that directly affect their local economies and financial prospects. These cities rely on lodging, dining establishments, and visitors, particularly tourists who engage in gaming activities. To promote regional economic growth, it is crucial to allow these small communities to adjust their betting restrictions, as they will bear the greatest negative consequences if they are unable to encourage economic activity in the area.
How Act 77 may be beneficial
Currently, Colorado and South Dakota have imposed limits on the maximum stakes allowed. In Colorado, casinos are subject to a $100 cap, whereas in the historic town of Deadwood, the maximum stake is set at $1,000.
Baccarat is the most commonly mentioned game included in casinos.
Adding more games to the casinos in Gilpin and Teller counties implies not only increased revenue but also necessitates the hiring of additional workers, including dealers and tables.
In June, David Farahi, the president of the Colorado Gaming Association (CGA) and COO of Monarch Casino and Resort in Black Hawk, expressed the following sentiment:
Amendment 77 of & ensures local autonomy by allowing communities affected by games to determine their own restrictions and introduce new activities. In Colorado, for example, while casinos are widely enjoyed across the country, they are not currently allowed as a form of entertainment.
What worries are there?
According to Crummy, there is no organized opposition to Amendment 77.
However, what concerns might citizens potentially have?
Substandard claims:
According to &, the only concern that has been raised is the potential for gambling addiction. It is important to take any form of addiction seriously and not dismiss it. However, this does not mean that the legalization of gambling in Cripple Creek, Central City, and Black Hawk after 30 years is being justified. This article focuses on the residents’ right to make decisions that affect their local markets and financial future.
Similar game changes in Colorado
Recently, Colorado voters gave their approval to the same article in the not-so-distant past.
Amendment 50 was approved by Colorado voters in 2008.
The inhabitants of the three gaming towns were granted the authority to bring about modifications through a legal measure. They were provided with the choice to enhance the maximum betting control, prolong the duration of gameplay, or authorize the introduction of new games.
Doesn’t this sound familiar to you?
Amendment 50 introduced craps as an authorized game in Colorado’s casinos and established a maximum betting limit of $100.
In essence, Amendment 77 enhances the provisions set forth in Amendment 50.
Now, the pivotal question arises: Did the voters back Amendment 77, providing the gambling towns with that vital opportunity?
As stated by Crummy:
There is an expectation of a significant increase in voter turnout for this election cycle, and we are well aware of it. Our efforts are focused on reaching out to as many Colorado electors as possible to educate them about the advantages of backing Amendment 77.
