Racetrack owners push for casino-style gaming

Instead of driving to an Indian casino, how about Vegas-style gambling at a Tucson racetrack?
There's a new offer on the table to help Arizona dig itself out of a giant budget hole. Racetrack owners have a plan that targets fun money to ease the $3.4 billion deficit.
Tom Taylor, CEO of Tucson Greyhound Park says not only will mini casinos bring in state and city revenue, but attract a new generation of horse and dog race enthusiasts.
Card games such as blackjack, Texas hold ‘em, and four card poker are a possibility, along with slot machines. Taylor says mini casinos are popping up at racetracks nationwide, they're nicknamed racinos.
"The horse race and dog racing industry as a whole is depressed and the racinos have resurged them all," says Taylor.
A recent study by some Arizona track owners estimates Arizona could generate $226 million this budget year if the bill is passed. In return, tracks will give the state, 45 percent of its profits.
The City of South Tucson will also receive a chunk of the proceeds, a half-percent of the track's revenue.
"You know a half-a percent of the revenue could be anywhere from a half a million to a million dollars," says Taylor.
Besides revenue, Taylor says mini casinos will generate 1,500 new jobs at Arizona's six tracks and provide work for contractors.
But officials for the county-owned Rillito Horse Racetrack aren't so quick to jump on board. A spokesperson says at this point, there's too many unanswered questions.
So how do Tucsonan's feel?
Bob Kreuzer tells News 4's Rebecca Taylor he likes the idea.
"I think it's a good idea as long as it's kept within reason," says Kreuzer.
But some critics worry racinos will take away from Indian gaming.
Tom Taylor says, "Obviously if you have a monopoly and then you lose it, you've lost something, I can see where they'd be concerned about that."
Dale Bell who works near the tracks adds, "South Tucson is a poor community, how come the Indians can have it? If they can't have it here, it doesn't make any sense. I'm all for it."
Right now, the bill is in its early stages. But if approved Taylor says it will take 120 days to get a temporary mini casino going Tucson Greyhound Park.
To be balanced, News 4 contacted Southern Arizona's Indian tribes.
Late Monday, Ned Norris Jr., Chairman of the Tohono O'Odham Nation released this statement:
"Once again, the horse and dog tracks are resorting to misinformation, innuendo and smear tactics to try to push their unpopular agenda.
This proposal is a slap in the face to the will of Arizona voters. In 2002, the exact same issue was addressed by Arizona's citizens. In that election over 80 percent of Arizona voters said ‘no' to casino-style gaming at dog and horse tracks, despite the millions spent on the campaign by the out-of-state track owners.
Horse and dog tracks' profits are frequently funneled to out-of-state owners. However, revenues from the tribal gaming facilities stay right here in Arizona. The argument that racinos will help balance the state's temporary budget crisis is absurd.
We implore the Governor and the state legislature to adhere to the overwhelming will of the people and reject this dangerous proposal."
The Pasqua Yaqui Tribe, which owns Casino del Sol decided not to comment.
News 4 would like to know what you think. Head to http://www.kvoa.com and click on "Your Vote" towards the middle of the Web site, and vote. Results will be given Tuesday, July 28th on our 5 p.m. newscast.
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