Colorado's public community colleges, local district colleges and some four-year colleges with two-year missions will receive nearly $6.2 million to supplement state appropriations, thanks to changes in the gaming laws approved by voters in 2008.

Amendment 50 authorized casinos in Black Hawk, Central City and Cripple Creek to increase bet limits, add new games and extend gaming hours. The measure earmarked 78 percent of the gaming tax proceeds from the changes for community, district and junior colleges.

The Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission authorized distribution of the funds at their August 26 meeting.

"While total gaming tax revenues were up in 2009-2010, the industry is still struggling to recover from the economic downturn," explains Colorado Gaming Association Director Lois Rice. "Despite tough economic times, both the industry and the state are keeping their word to Colorado voters by providing new revenues for community colleges."