SEARCH NEWS:

 

Poll: 60% Voters Support Gambling in Pennsylvania

PENNSYLVANIA – As reported by the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Post Gazette: "Proposals to legalize slot machines have sparked debate and controversy in Harrisburg but they come up a winner in one corner of the commonwealth.

"Three out of five voters in Allegheny County support the idea of legalizing and taxing slots, according to the latest Pennsylvania Poll. The concept was more popular with Democrats than Republicans, with men than women, and in the city of Pittsburgh than in its suburbs. But every group surveyed produced at least a plurality in favor of it.

"The question posed to 400 registered voters in the county was broadly worded: `To raise revenue for the state, some officials are proposing to legalize slot machines at racetracks, and, possibly, some other locations. Do you support or oppose legalization of slot machines?'

"…Overall, 60 percent of those questioned said they favored slots, 32 percent were opposed and 8 percent were undecided. Males, Democrats, city residents and less affluent voters were the strongest supporters.

"..Gov. Ed Rendell wants to legalize and tax slot machines to provide part of the revenue needed for local property tax relief that would be coupled with an increase in the state's share of education funding to 50 percent from its current level of about 35 percent.

"The two chambers of the Legislature have passed significantly different versions of slot legalization. The Senate voted 27-22 in late June for a measure that would permit 3,000 slots at up to eight racetracks…"

< Gaming News