Due to a Threat From Neighboring States With Regard to Taxes and Increasing Competition,\
In the United States, there are 26 states in which casinos with tables games are legal. This year, West Virginia may add to this list and become the 27th state, with legal casino games. West Virginia is one of 33 states that allows only slots or video gaming. Legislation with regard to adding table sanghoki games in casinos, has failed in the last 2 years. This is the third time and it might get passed. This is envisaged as there is increasing competition from neighboring states. Robert D. Marshall Jr., president of Wheeling Island Racing and Gaming Center, said that everyone in the casino business would be lobbying hard for this. Towards the east, Pennsylvania will put in 37,000 slot machines in 14 different locations. One of these is in Pittsburgh, that is hardly an hour away from Wheeling Island Racetrack and Gaming Center. Cardplayer.com reports:
Marshall estimates that when Pennsylvania comes online- the gaming board has until the end of 2006 to hand out licenses - West Virginia will lost $160 million a year in taxes. Marshall's track will lost $40 million alone.