TheDenverChannel.com









Denver News
E-Mail News Alerts
Get breaking news and daily headlines.
Browse all e-mail newsletters
Related To Story
At Issue: What Government Can Take Out Of Paychecks

Amendment 50 Debates Betting Limits At Casinos

Amendment Would Allow Casino Towns Vote On Rules

POSTED: 4:50 pm MDT October 7, 2008
UPDATED: 11:14 pm MDT October 7, 2008

Black Hawk, Central City and Cripple Creek are known for their casinos and if Amendment 50 passes, you might see some changes in gaming.

"This proposal does not propose expanding gaming beyond those mountain towns. We're not putting casinos in Denver, Colorado Springs or Grand Junction," explained Katy Atkinson, with Coloradans for Community Colleges.

Instead, Amendment 50 would allow people in the three gaming towns to vote on increasing betting limits to $100, extend casino operating hours and add games of craps or roulette.

"Seventy-eight percent of the revenues that come in from those changes, the new revenues, will go to fund Colorado's Community College systems," Atkinson said.

But opponents say betting on Amendment 50 is a chance voters don't want to take if they want to keep Las Vegas out.

"The casinos with a $100 bet limit would have much more ability to expand gambling in Colorado. Right now, there's not much incentive for big gambling to expand because of the $5 bet limit," said Scott Yates. "When Colorado enacted limited stakes gambling they meant exactly that. They wanted limited stakes gambling. This is not limited stakes gambling."

Another argument against Amendment 50 is that it would add to the gambling addiction. But supporters of the proposal say gamblers will find a way to make their bets regardless of the gaming changes in Colorado casinos.

You'll continue to see ads like Vote Yes on 50 and Web sites to figure out if Amendment 50 is right for you. It's a game that both sides hope you'll think carefully before you play.

  • To read what the supporters have to say about Amendment 50, go to SayYesOn50.com.
  • To read what the critics have to say about Amendment 50, go to KeepVegasOut.com.

    What do you think of Amendment 50? Sound off in our online forum.

    Links We Like

    Sponsored Content
    Before you splurge on that pricey remodeling project, beware. It may not pay you back when it's time to sell. More

    Employers generally have options when it comes to hiring. Makes sure you present yourself as professionally as possible, or else. More

    Want to lose weight? Get a diet and fitness plan customized for you from Jillian Michaels of TV’s Biggest Loser. MoreClick Here

    The signs of Cancer can sometimes be very subtle. Here's a guide to help you recognize them early. More

    MyReport Network

    E - News Registration focus group
      My Report Network: Tell your story on 7NEWS. Sign up to be a member of our My Report Network
    Sponsored Links

    MyReport Network

    E - News Registration focus group
      My Report Network: Tell your story on 7NEWS. Sign up to be a member of our My Report Network