Initiative Would Legalize Video Poker

Tavern and cardroom owners, looking for a way to protect their gambling revenue as tribal casinos become more popular, on Wednesday filed an initiative to legalize video poker games.

As an incentive, initiative backers said they would turn over half of the profits to help build a new ballpark for the Seattle Mariners, provide matching money for local school construction, help finance local governments, and combat problem gambling.

The measure was filed with the secretary of state’s office, just one floor below the legislative meeting rooms where lawmakers in both parties were trying to draft legislation to finance a stadium for the Mariners.

Organizers conceded the Mariners angle was designed to add some political appeal. Several legislators offered it to their colleagues as an alternative to a package of state and local revenue ideas.

If lawmakers approve a tax package, the initiative won’t be rewritten, and would provide an estimated $110 million for sports facilities in the next four years, said spokesman Vito Chiechi.

Sponsors are the 2,400 taverns, lounges and licensed gambling facilities in the state.