West Virginia appears to be much closer to legalizing casino-style gambling than was the case one year ago. By the end of this week, it is expected that legislation calling for the allowance of table games at four West Virginia racetracks will be introduced to the House of Delegates, who must first approve the bill before the Senate will have an examination of their own.

Lobbyists for the cause, like John Cavacini, are wishing for the best. They are hoping to the get the legislation approved in one weeks time, which in the grand scheme of things, is not an unrealistic task. The legislation came very close to passing last year after the Senate passed a bill permitting limited casino gambling. However, before the bill could gain favor by the House, it lost momentum and fizzled out.

This year, Senate President Earl Ray Tomblin, said the Senate would not even begin to consider the legislation before the House of Delegates gave its thumb of approval. And although there are some West Virginia House members who are not in support of casino gambling, or gambling at racetracks for that matter, many lawmakers have stated they would vote for the legislation anyways if it gains enough support and was written up with inclusions for fraternal organizations.

However the cards play out, the bill's lobbyist's certainly will not go without a battle. By the end of this week, the floor is sure to be a crossfire of shouts between adamant supporters and those opposed to casino gambling in West Virginia.