As the US sinks further into recession, state governments are considering a wide range of solutions that could have a positive impact on the amusement sector.

Some state governments are considering changing legal restrictions on gambling - taking into consideration everything from casino games to video poker.

Fourteen states, including Kentucky, Texas and New York, are said to be "mulling over" proposals to allow or expand slots and casinos and even allowing video poker games or video slots at racetracks.

Lawmakers in Massachusetts are considering legalising casinos and Pennsylvania has proposed the legalisation of operator-run video poker.

However, West Virginia is one of the few states that is looking towards a smaller gambling market. The governor has commissioned a panel to study reducing the number of VLTs permitted.