Video Story
Watch VideoAmendment 50: A closer look
Story By: KOAA
Source: KOAA
November's long ballot contains several controversial amendments. Among them is Amendment 50, which could raise gambling stakes in three Colorado towns. Backers say it would give community colleges and gambling towns a much-needed bost. Opponents say it's too much gambling, too fast. Amendment 50 would raise the gambling stakes in Cripple Creek, Black Hawk and Central City, giving the towns the chance to increase betting limits from $5 to $100. It would also allow casinos to stay open around the clock, and to add roulete or craps, or both. Over the first five yeras, it's estimated to net about $300 million in tax revenue. 22% of that would go to the gambling towns and counties. Community colleges would get the rest. "A 'yes' vote on Amendment 50 means Pikes Peak Community College moves from dead last in funding in the United States of America to in the top 10,"said Tony Kinkel, president of the college. Though it may boost community colleges, opponents worry it could take a toll on the state. "Five dollars to $100 just seemed to extreme,"said Scott Yates, spokesperson for the group Vote no on Amendment 50. "This is not Las Vegas." And could also take a toll on Colorado's streets. "That would put people who've been drinking and gambling on the roads every hour of every day," he said.
