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Tony Belcourt is a state representative for the state of Montana and he recently came forward stating that he would like to see blackjack legalized in the state. Belcourt wants to use the funds earned from the game of blackjack to fund social services. The representative is taking the House Bill 423 forward in the hopes that it will be passed and blackjack will be legalized. If the bill is passed an account would be set up that would collect money that is earned from permit fees paid by those who offer the table games. Belcourt wants to raise money for the MT Department of Health and Human Services.
The department’s budget is being cut so the representative is hoping this would help bring them the funds they need. If the bill is passed then the government would be responsible for making sure the funds go to the right services such as domestic violence prevention and suicide prevention.
Blackjack is currently not a legal betting game but if Belcourt’s bill is passed it would be and players would be able to bet $25 per game. This week a hearing is scheduled for Belcourt’s bill to be discussed. A few more areas the blackjack funds would help are listed below:
-services for the prevention of abuse of elderly persons and persons with developmental -disabilities provided pursuant to Title 52, chapter 3, part 8;
-long-term care services, as provided for in Title 52, chapter 3, part 6;
-home and community-based long-term care services, as provided in Title 53, chapter 6, part 4;
-child foster care services; and
-services for the prevention of domestic violence, as authorized in 52-6-103, including the operation of shelters for victims of domestic violence as provided for in 52-6-104.
If the bill is passed it will be another important step for gambling in the US. Many states are adding table games as well as casinos to their areas to raise funds for programs and other needs of their individual state.
2011-02-10
