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Wednesday, March 19, 1980
University Daily Kansan
Legalization of pari-mutuel betting debated
By BLAKE GUMPRECHT Staff Reporter
TOPEKA--Many things seemed familiar at yesterday's House Federal and State Affairs Committee hearing.
One side argued that passage of a resolution would devastate Kansas society. The other said that the government shouldn't legislate morality.
It was like many previous Kansas Legislature hearings on liquor bills. Even the Rev. Richard E. Taylor, leader of the state's dry forces, was there.
But yesterday the debate was about gambling.
For nearly two hours, more than 50 people heard testimony on a resolution that would legalize part-mutual betting in Kansas on a county-by-county option.
Four persons, three of them horse or greyhound breeders, testified in favor of the resolution. Another six, including three pastors, argued against the measure.
The resolution is sponsored by state Rep. James Guffey, D-Chanute, along with 12 Democratic and seven Republican representatives.
Guffey said that he had never bet on the horses, or dogs for that matter, but that he thought Kansans should have the choice.
PARI-MUTUEL betting is legal in 33 states.
“你 don't have to bet if you don't want to.” Jules Doty, an Oauquah quarter horse beater, told the committee “Pari-mutuel is too good for it, so it's better. If it so bad why don't they kick it up!”
state of Kansas on any race in the country if you want. There isn't any way you're going to stop people from betting. You just remove the crise aspect.
"Besides, you can place wagers in the
Colorado, Nebraska and Arkansas are among the states that permit pari-mutu betting. Tour buses from Kansas City to Akron, Cincinnati, Topeka and Hot Springs, Arkansas, are common.
"That's all money going out of the state." she said, the president of the Greenville Hall of Fame.
The revenue Kansas stands to gain
from the passage of the 2015 law,
main argument of the resolution's proponent.
THEY ALSO insisted that race tracks would create jobs and increase tourism. Visitors from Missouri and Oklahoma—where pair-mutual bail is illegal—might
increase if tracks were to open in Kansas City, Kan., and Wichita.
in pari-mutuel betting, betters wager against other betters, not against track operators. All wagers are pooled, and the state takes a tax cut, usually about 7 per cent, to the track to cover operating expenses and the rest is divided among winning betters.
In Arkansas, where there are two tracks, the state receives about $15 million annually through racing.
"This would bring a massive new industry to Kansas," said Chuck Henry, who raises quarter horses in Butler County.
OPONENTS OF the measure, however,
charged that betting would invite organized
crime into the state, increase job aib-
cause of employment and cause a decrease in retail sales.
"Any lawnmower who votes for legal puny and pony gambling because a small amount will go for beneficial community projects could use that same sick logic and vote for puny and pony gambling because its actions so part of the proceeds could be used for beneficial community projects," Taylor said.
Similar measures to legalize pari-mutual betting in the state failed in 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973 and 1974. But, Guffey said, previous did not make the decision a local option.
If both houses of the Legislature approve the resolution, the state's voters would decide on county-by-county basis in the next legislative session. If they wanted legalized pari-mutuel betting.
"I think we ought to at least let the people decide," Guffey said.
Campaign urges old drug disposal
During March, the Kansas Pharmacy Association is sponsoring a campaign to get people to dispose of their old medicines because exposure to heat, light and chemicals can decompose into harmless or even poisonous substances.
It's the foundation of our fraternity. It doesn't include hazing. Brotherhood includes teaching the new member (and future brother) how to be a good brother, not how to be a good PLEDGE.
BROTHERHOOD
Brisby Andrews, pharmacist at the UTHealth center, said yesterday that 40 percent of all accidental poisonings were from 60 percent were from asphin overdoses.
Lambda Chi Alpha has brotherhood for you. Check us out!
"All drugs are potential poison for children and adults if they are taken after they have excreted." Andrews said.
Find out why we're called the "Fraternity of Honest Friendship"
Visit us at 1918 Stewart Ave.
Foreign & Domestic Parts
DON SCHICK AUTO PARTS
- Part Stuck
1209 East 23rd
841-2200
James Pessetto, assistant director of the University Medical Center's prescription medicines did not have any expiration dates because chemicals reacted differently in different storage conditions.
or call 842-9577 and leave your name. Our recruitment staff will return your call.
Most pharmacies in Kansas are participating in the campaign and will be giving away free flu shots to Foundation for Crippled Children for each container of old medicine they received.
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