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Pennsylvania's Neighbors Brace for Slots

PENNSYLVANIA – As reported by the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: "As Pennsylvania lawmakers approach a decision on the legalization of slot machine gambling, several neighboring states already are toting potential losses, while others are sizing up possible gains.

"At stake is a multibillion-dollar regional pie in wagers.

"Officials in West Virginia and Delaware are pouring over projections of how much money those states could lose in slot machine revenue if Pennsylvania approves its plan. Gambling proponents in Maryland, though, believe Pennsylvania's push to legalize slot machines could revitalize the issue in Maryland. That also could happen in Ohio, where proponents of video slot machines are trying to take the idea directly to voters on the November ballot.

"…Gross video lottery sales from West Virginia's four racetracks are projected to be $784 million this budget year, which ends Wednesday. That number is projected to drop to $700 million in fiscal 2004-05, Helton said. The revenue loss is based primarily on an assumption Pennsylvania will have legal slots by January, he said.

"Delaware approved a measure last year to expand gambling at its racetracks, which attract most of their gamblers from neighboring states, including Pennsylvania. If Pennsylvania's plan passes, Delaware stands to lose $20 million to $25 million in state revenue in the 2006 budget year and $30 million to $35 million the following year, according to Delaware's finance secretary, David Singleton. Delaware could lose more than $100 million annually if Maryland also approves slots, Singleton said…"

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