For Immediate Release
September 27, 2006
Contact:
Joe Pittman
(724) 357-0151
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Senate Approves Changes to Gaming Law

Legislation banning ownership in gaming venues headed to House

The Senate today approved legislation intended to reform Pennsylvania's gaming law by eliminating the one-percent ownership threshold, expanding the Attorney General's power to prosecute crimes associated with gaming, and ensuring accountability of the Gaming Control Board, according to Senator Don White, R-41st District.

"It is important that the General Assembly act to address the concerns that have arisen regarding gaming in Pennsylvania," Senator White said. "Senate Bill 862 sets clear standards that bar public officials from participating in gaming ventures and addresses a number of other issues that must be resolved."

Efforts to reform the gambling law extend back two years when Governor Rendell vetoed legislation that would have made a number of reforms to the law, including revisions pertaining to slot machine suppliers and granting power to the Attorney General to prosecute gambling-related crime.

Specific provisions contained in Senate Bill 862 include:

• Eliminating the 1-percent ownership threshold for public officials.

• Establishing a Code of Conduct for the Gaming Control Board.

• Ensuring that the PGCB is subject to the Right-to-Know Act, the Sunshine Law, and other open-government laws.

• Subjecting the Gaming Control Board to the normal state budget process.

• Clarifying the authority of the Attorney General regarding gambling crimes.