Senator Robbins Joins Effort to Reform Pennsylvania's Gaming Law

Legislation Will Expand Powers of Attorney General in Gaming Licensing and Enforcement

HARRISBURG – Senator Bob Robbins (R-50) today joined a number of members from the Senate Republican Caucus to announce a comprehensive plan to make major structural reforms to the two year old gambling law. The 21 bill package is designed to: repair loopholes and oversight in the law; enhance the accountability of the Gaming Control Board and improve the administration of the law; and improve oversight by the Attorney General and the General Assembly over the conduct of gaming in Pennsylvania.

Efforts to reform the gambling law extend back over 1½ 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.

"Since the Governor's veto, problems and controversy have continued to surround the Gaming Board. Its hiring practices have been criticized, and the conduct of its employees, including criminal conduct, has brought a cloud of suspicion over an agency which should be above reproach," Senator Robbins said.

The actions of the Gaming Board over the past several weeks cry out for increased authority by the Attorney General of the Commonwealth.

Over 1 1/2 years ago, the Senate inserted provisions to give the Attorney General concurrent jurisdiction with our district attorneys to investigate and prosecute gambling related crimes. It simply made sense to give our chief law enforcement officer, who has statewide jurisdiction and offices throughout the Commonwealth, the ability to help our police and district attorneys combat the infiltration of organized crimes into Pennsylvania via casinos. Governor Rendell vetoed this provision and other reforms.

Robbins' legislation would grant the Attorney General the power to investigate applicants for gaming licenses; appear before the Gaming Board at hearings to present evidence regarding the suitability of an applicant; move to suspend, revoke, deny or place conditions on a license; review contracts entered into by the Board; and review regulations drafted by the Board.

"Although I did not support the expansion of gambling, now that it is in effect, the priority is to strengthen the law. An independent law enforcement agency must be given investigative authority and be part of the licensing process," stated Robbins. "The truth is the insertion of the Attorney General in the licensure proceedings of the Board just makes sense."

Along with Senator Robbins, the bill package is being sponsored by Senators Corman, Earll, Piccola, Pippy, Rafferty, Regola, Vance, Waugh, Mary Jo White, and Wonderling. These bills will take some important steps to make the conduct of gaming more accountable to the citizens of the Commonwealth and lessen the possibility for corruption.

CONTACT:

Michael Hengst
(717) 787-1322