What might this do to Oregon's existing lottery revenues?

The truth is, it probably won't do much at all. History shows that lottery revenues continued to grow at an astounding pace through the 1990s - at the very same time Oregon's nine tribal casinos were brought on line. The chart below shows Oregon lottery growing at double digit annual rates even with nine casinos. Gaming experts say this is because there are two different gaming consumers: those who play video poker lottery games in taverns and those who travel to resort casinos for different forms of gaming and for the non-gaming entertainment.

Will tax dollars be used in any way to revitalize the Multnomah Kennel Club?

No. There will be no taxpayer dollars used for the development, operation or regulation of the entertainment center. In fact, the facility expects to pay its full share of taxes in addition to the 25 percent of the adjusted gross gaming revenues which goes to schools and other vital services.

Who is promoting this project?

The Oregon Gaming and Entertainment Company, LLC, founded by Bruce Studer and Matt Rossman, two longtime Oregonians. Their vision will become a reality with the support of Oregon citizens.

Why is this a good idea?

Oregon schools and other vital services need financial help. Oregon's economy could use a shot in the arm. When the mega-casino is built in La Center, Washington, as proposed, hundreds of millions of dollars will flow across the river from Oregon into Washington. That won't create a single Oregon job or a single dollar for Oregon schools.

What about the local impact?

The Multnomah Kennel Club (our site) has a 50+ year history as a gaming venue. The restoration of the facility will be built entirely on MKC grounds. In its "golden years" MKC attracted tens of thousands of Oregonians on a single night.

How does Oregon benefit from the entertainment center?

Oregon will benefit from the creation of thousands of family wage jobs, from the collection of local and state taxes estimated over $20 million per year, and from the 25% of adjusted gross gaming revenues, estimated at $186 million annually. This new source of revenue will directly assist schools and other vital services.

How did a ban on casinos get into the Constitution?

It was inserted into language sponsored by the petitioners of the Lottery Ballot Measure back in 1984. This was long before the nine current casinos were developed in Oregon. This time Oregon will benefit from the revenue generated from a world-class entertainment center/resort casino.

What about that "mega-casino" being planned for La Center, Washington?

The Mohegan Tribe recently agreed to partner with the Cowlitz tribe to build a casino on 152-acres, estimated to generate $700 million annually in La Center. The National Indian Gaming Commission recently approved a gaming ordinance for the site. The out-of-state Tribes are hoping to cash in on the lucrative Portland area gaming market. Unfortunately, no one in Oregon benefits when millions of entertainment dollars and thousands of jobs cross the river into Washington State.

How many signatures are required and when do you need them?

The secretary of State requires 110,358 valid signatures for a constitutional amendment and 82,769 valid signatures for a change in state law. They must be turned in by July 1 2010. Once they are certified, the measures will appear on the November 2 2010 statewide ballot.