Brown Says State May Legalize Video Gambling
Continued budget woes could prompt California legislators to legalize the use of video poker and slot machines in some form next year, Assemblyman Willie Brown told gaming industry executives and analysts Thursday at the American Gaming Summit.
“I do think gaming activities will be expanded to boost general funds, which we so desperately need,” said Brown, the longtime Assembly Speaker who is in a bitter battle to retain that job.
“I’m clearly optimistic that, in 1995, we will be able to authorize something involving gambling,” Brown said.
Brown, a Democrat, predicted that existing California racetracks will be allowed to have video poker and slot machines.
The expansion of gaming in California is an emotionally charged issue, with Republican Gov. Pete Wilson opposed to the idea.
Brown said Las Vegas should not worry about the spread of gambling in Southern California. “With 32 million people, I don’t think you will change their habits much,” he said. “People have been coming to Caesars for 20 years.”
Get the L.A. Times Politics newsletter
Deeply reported insights into legislation, politics and policy from Sacramento, Washington and beyond. In your inbox three times per week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
