[gamblinggirl]

Finally! The people of Alaska seem to have the go-ahead to gather signatures in the hopes of creating a commission to oversee gambling casinos and other venues. I'm sure Poker and Bingo are getting a bit old to the newer generations up there. They'll have to collect over 31,000 signatures to have the new initiative placed on the 2006 ballot.

The ballot initiative is sponsored by people associated with the bar and restaurant industry trade group CHARR Unfortunately, in past years CHARR has lobbied unsuccessfully in the Legislature for video gambling machines in bars and clubs.

CHARR has claimed that the public supports gambling proposals. However, proposals to legalize card rooms for gamblers, an Anchorage casino, a state lottery and video poker have all failed to pass the Legislature in recent years.

Good luck Alaska!

[louis]

Did it go through or not? Or has it not been heard yet? I'm not too up on the Alaskan gambling scene so any more information to follow this up would be much appreciated.