Table Games on the March...

Into Delaware...the state Senate may vote on the bill as early as tomorrow, sending it to the governor to sign.  The tax is relatively high for table games (29%) -- much higher than Pennsylvania's 16%, but the fees are also lower and could be as low as $5 million for the three racinos if they reach a certain quote for capital improvements.

Unlike PA - where horseracing interests opposed table games- there's a nice bonus for the horseracing industry: 4.5% ot the new revenues.   The state projects 700 more gaming jobs and 40 more regulatory positions from adding table games, according to this Delaware Online piece.

I like the progress on gaming for Delaware (though not the splits), and once again appreciate the efforts of the legislature and pro-gaming governor.  However, the racinos are happy -- after the diminished returns on sports betting.  Meanwhile, there's growing momentum in Maryland to catch up: a logical move -- I've been saying (and writing ) for two years that there never was much logic to the slots-only approach, and finally -- finally - that perspective has gained some real political traction.   However, with 2010 being a state election year-- don't expect much progress in Maryland until at least 2011.

Update 1/29/10: This is a done deal -- Delaware will get table games: play should begin in May.