2009 May 11 Gambling News, Events and Happenings

May 12 (Bloomberg) — Churchill Downs Inc . plans to cut seven race dates this year as the home of the Kentucky Derby struggles to compete with thoroughbred racetracks that offer more gambling options and bigger purses.

CONCORD Labor union leaders urged the Legislature on Monday to legalize slot machine betting at the state’s racetracks to close a budget gap and create jobs. … - By KEVIN LANDRIGAN Staff Writer

One down; 2,999 to go. Workers at Rivers Casino on the North Shore set in place the first of 3,000 slot machines Monday.

Labor organizations yesterday said expanding gambling in New Hampshire could bring in more cash to shore up the state budget while providing jobs.

AUGUSTA, Maine ? A legislative committee decided Monday to send a bill to allow casino gambling in western Maine to the full Legislature for debate, but also called for studies to establish a clear gambling policy for the state.

Twin River says it needs to know by June 1 if the state will extend the slot parlor’s overnight gambling provision beyond June 30.

UPDATE 13:15pm: CROWN will expand to be one of the world’s biggest casinos in a governmenmt deal to rake in extra pokie tax.

PORTSMOUTH Police searched a Cash Express of Virginia office on Tyre Neck Road in connection with a gambling investigation in Newport News. The search warrant, filed by a Newport News detective on Thursday, sought items such as machines and books related to illegal gambling. Police took a machine and miscellaneous paper work, according to the court document.

A bondholder challenging a debt restructuring plan by Station Casinos Inc. has dropped his lawsuit. The suit was voluntarily dismissed last week without prejudice by bondholder S. Blake Murchinson, meaning he can sue again with the same allegations.