|
For the past year the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board
has weeded through millions of pieces of paper to determine just what
locations across the state should operate slot machines. And in November,
the first of the slot machines in the state opened—the Mohegan Sun, and with
its opening solidified the opponents predictions that Pennsylvania could
make millions in slots revenue if they operated slots. Now though, the
gambling community is saying the slot machines are not enough—now table
games are on the agenda of gambling legislation to approve.
When the debate to legalize the slot machines and gambling occurred the
first time, proponents cited the large property tax cuts as a main reason to
legalize the machines, and voters agreed. Now, however, many within the
industry are saying the slot machines alone cannot adequately compete with
neighboring states offering table games in addition to the slots. With the
addition of table games the proponents say millions more revenue for the
state could mean even more property tax cuts.
And it looks like Pennsylvania could very well get the table games in the
coming year as State Representative H. William DeWeese takes over as state
speaker of the House in January. He has stated his approval of the addition
of table games to augment the offering at slot machine facilities, and many
believe is new position will better enable him to push through the new
legislation. His aides have gone on record as stating that they do not
believe the new table games are more harmful to the state than the current
slot machines.
Back to December News>>>
Back to Recent
News>>>
|
