On January 29, Legislative Director Kevin Kinnally testified before the Budget and Taxation Committee in support of SB 340 – Internet Gaming – Authorization and Implementation with amendments.
This bill authorizes the State Lottery and Gaming Control Commission (SLGCC) to license video lottery operators to conduct and operate internet gaming in the state, contingent upon approval through a referendum by voters in the 2024 general election.
In addition to advocating for a more equitable share of new internet gaming revenue, MACo seeks to guard existing revenue streams from brick-and-mortar casinos – upon which local governments have relied for several years to support critical services and infrastructure.
SB 340 provides a pathway for generating meaningful education revenue. However, ensuring that counties have equitable access to these funds is essential to maintain vital services and support public schools. Protecting existing funding streams from brick-and-mortar casinos while fairly distributing new revenues will help local governments meet evolving community needs and priorities.
More on MACo’s Advocacy:
SB 340 provides a pathway for generating meaningful education revenue. However, ensuring that counties have equitable access to these funds is essential to maintain vital services and support public schools. Protecting existing funding streams from brick-and-mortar casinos while fairly distributing new revenues will help local governments meet evolving community needs and priorities.