Table Gambling Haste a Mistake

BY THE NEWS-REGISTER West Virginians shouldn't be forced to slap down a bet on table gambling without being given time to consider the details. But if Gov. Bob Wise goes through with a plan to call a special session of the Legislature on the issue, that is precisely what may happen. Wise still hasn't dropped the idea of calling a special session before he leaves office on Jan. 17, despite the fact that Governor-elect Joe Manchin has hinted strongly that he would rather not be blindsided by a table gambling law in effect when he begins his term. Under a scenario being discussed by some, Wise could call a special session in early January, legislators could pass a table gambling bill, and Wise could sign it into law before he departs from the Governor's Mansion. That is the kind of government that has given politics a bad name - and, as we have stated previously, Wise has been too good a governor to be involved in such a scheme. We have no doubt that legalization of table gambling at the state's four racetracks - including two in our area - will come before legislators this year. New gambling competition expected from Pennsylvania makes it virtually inevitable. But legislation in a rush - just like impulse betting at the blackjack table - seldom is a good idea. Frequently, it has extremely unpleasant results. Legislators need to debate table gambling thoroughly to ensure that local and state governments get a fair share of the proceeds and that the new industry is regulated properly. That won't happen if Wise calls a special session. We urge him not to do so.