SEARCH NEWS:

 

Last Minute Pennsylvania Slot Vote Pushed

HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania – As reported by the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: "Legislators can't get a handle on slot-machine gambling -- because there's no bill for them to consider.

"Gov. Ed Rendell has asked lawmakers to vote on slots before the summer recess begins June 30.

"Legislative leaders and slots supporters have negotiated the issue behind closed doors for months, saying they're building support before a final bill emerges. Some critics argue that waiting until the last minute to vote will create a flawed bill.

"…Rendell has promoted slots as a major part of his agenda. The issue has grown from putting slots at horse-racing tracks to their inclusion at stand-alone parlors. The governor has promised $1 billion in new revenue to cut property taxes.

"Both the House and Senate passed slots legislation last year but failed to resolve their differences. Since then, legislative leaders privately have negotiated such sticking points as the number of slots venues, the method to distribute venue licenses and whether to grant licenses to Indian tribes…"

< Gaming News