By Associated Press
Montgomery, AL – Legislators are gearing for an expected showdown in the House Tuesday over a proposal that will allow electronic gambling at the Birmingham and Mobile dog tracks.
Representative Marcel Black is sponsoring the legislation and says the proposal would allow gambling only where it already exists.
He says the bill would provide much-needed revenue to the state by placing a 20 percent tax on the tracks' gross profits, after bettors' winnings have been paid.
The money would be earmarked for the state Medicaid program and track officials estimate Medicaid would receive $100 (m) million each year.
Governor Bob Riley, a gambling opponent, is urging lawmakers to vote against the bill.
(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)