Petition Drive for Gambling Club Begins

Backers of a referendum to create a legalized gambling club in West Hollywood have begun collecting signatures for a petition that would require the City Council to put a gambling initiative on the November ballot.

The council last December unanimously rejected a request for a referendum that would have allowed gambling on all legal card games at Cavendish West Hollywood, a private bridge and rummy club on West Sunset Boulevard. To qualify for the November ballot, the group needs roughly 3,000 signatures on a petition by June 12.

Proponents claim that the club could generate from $5 million to $10 million annually for the city, roughly 10% of the club’s estimated gross revenues.

To make the issue more appealing to the voters, backers said, the initiative requires the city to earmark three-fourths of its revenues for the elderly, increased law enforcement, gay and lesbian services, and the revitalization of the city’s east end, where the club is to be located.