Del. lawmakers want larger share of slots revenue

DOVER, DE – (AP) A group of lawmakers is proposing that the state take a larger share of the revenue raised at Delaware's three slot machine casinos.

The three casinos, which have a state-sanctioned monopoly on slot machines, received about 47 1/2 percent of net slots revenue in fiscal 2007, about $320 million. The state got about 35 1/2 percent, or about $226 million.

The remaining money went to the horse racing industry, primarily in the form of higher purses, and to vendors who supply and maintain the slot machines.

Given the state's current budget problems, lawmakers are suggesting that the state take an additional 6 percent of revenue that currently goes to the casinos. That would leave the casino industry and the state with 41 1/2 percent each.