Keno won’t solve state’s latest red ink

HARTFORD, Conn. – Keno won’t help the state end next fiscal year in the black and the likelihood lawmakers would repeal the bingo-style game seems even slimmer than it did just a few weeks ago.

The state needs the revenue even more now than it did earlier this year when lawmakers introduced three pieces of legislation calling for its repeal.

According to the budget approved last year, the game will be run by the Connecticut Lottery and the revenues will be split with the two tribal casinos. It’s estimated to bring in $13.5 million in 2015 and $27 million in the following years.

Rep. Toni Walker, D-New Haven, said Tuesday that budget negotiations are still in a holding pattern until they get the final revenue estimates Wednesday from financial analysts. As of Tuesday, revenues were $356.9 million, or 22.5 percent, below target through April 28, according to the legislature’s nonpartisan Office of Fiscal Analysis.

See the complete story at CT News Junkie.