A Yes vote on Amendment 77 will change state constitution and law to allow residents of Central City, Black Hawk and Cripple Creek to expand gaming and gaming limits.
All three are former gold mining towns. Central City has about 765 people and eight casinos; Black Hawk, about 130 people and 13 casinos; and Cripple Creek, about 1,300 people and 12 casinos. This is all about the tourist trade, while most tax proceeds from gaming are dedicated to Colorado community colleges.
The measure would let residents vote to remove the maximum single bet limit of $100 and add new casino games. The gaming industry is backing the measure financially. It seems to have no organized opposition.
We see no reason to stand in the way of these towns exercising their prerogatives. Yes on Amendment 77.