  We argue that the approximate ``Casimir scaling'' of the string tensions of
higher-representation Wilson loops is an effect due to the finite thickness of
center vortex configurations. It is shown, in the context of a simple model of
the Z(2) vortex core, how vortex condensation in Yang-Mills theory can account
for both Casimir scaling in intermediate size loops, and color-screening in
larger loops. An implication of our model is that the deviations from exact
Casimir scaling, which tend to grow with loop size, become much more pronounced
as the dimensionality of the group representation increases.
