"We've never been a fan of the casinos as a source of revenue for the state, but it's hard to object when the state has its own round-the-clock lotteries and its multiple scratch-off games.

Unfortunately, despite the side consequences of gambling, it's something just about every state is doing these days.

There's another untapped source of revenue involving the two casinos. Under the agreements allowing the casinos, both were supposed to pick up the cost of regulating them.

They agreed to pay all reasonable and necessary regulatory costs, according to published reports.

It is estimated that the state is owed $16 million over four years, according to a report by an independent research firm, Spectrum Gaming Group, hired by the state. Right now, the taxpayer is footing much of the bill for regulation."

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State loses out on regulating two casinos (The Hour 8/29)