Black Hawk OKs new gambling rules

BLACK HAWK - Voters overwhelmingly approved a measure Tuesday that lets casinos in the town of Black Hawk raise their maximum bets from $5 to $100.

Voters approved the measure in a 54 to 6 victory.

The measure OKs all the new provisions included in Amendment 50, which was passed statewide on Nov. 4. It means casinos can also add roulette and craps, and stay open 24 hours a day.

Black Hawk is the second of Colorado's gambling communities to vote on the issue. Cripple Creek had already voted to approve the new betting limits and games.

Central City votes on Jan. 20.

A portion of the new tax revenue generated from the higher limits, new games and longer hours is earmarked for state universities and colleges. Experts think the new games could raise as much as $300 million if all three towns adopt the new rules.

The new rules would go into effect on July 2.