Michigan Considers Racinos With Horse Wizard Machines

MICHIGAN -- As reported by the Detroit News: "Gov. Jennifer Granholm is studying whether to permit three Michigan horse racing tracks to install electronic gaming machines that allow customers
Players are seen enjoying MEC's Horse Wizard machines.  to place wagers on previously run races.

"The machines, called Horse Wizard and developed by Magna Entertainment of Toronto, could generate as much as $50 million a year for the cash-strapped state through collection of a 25 percent tax on all wagers, experts said.

"...A state constitutional amendment, overwhelmingly approved by voters in 2004, bans any new player-operated gaming devices or any new form of gambling without a statewide referendum.

"Horse racetrack owners say the machines, which resemble slot machines, are legal, but critics contend they violate the spirit of the law. And if the governor pushes ahead with the proposal, lawsuits could follow that could take months or years to resolve..."