Senate Hearing Focuses on Reforming PA Gaming Law

Includes Robbins' measure to increase oversight by Attorney General

Harrisburg – The effort by Senator Bob Robbins (R-50) and other lawmakers to reform Pennsylvania's two-year-old gaming law moved forward today, with a public hearing on a comprehensive package designed to strengthen oversight and close ethics loopholes.

The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee, of which Robbins is a member, held a public hearing on proposed amendments to Senate Bill 862, including an amendment sponsored by Robbins to expand the power of the state Attorney General in gaming licensing and enforcement.

"I didn't support bringing slot machine gambling to Pennsylvania two years ago; however, it became law. But if we are going to have it, we must insist on having the highest ethical standards possible," said Robbins.

The Robbins amendment would grant the Attorney General authority to:

Investigate applicants for gaming licenses.
Appear before Gaming Board to present evidence regarding the suitability of an applicant.
Move to suspend, revoke, deny or place conditions on a license.
Investigate labor organizations seeking permits to do business in casinos.
Review contracts entered into by the board.
Review regulations drafted by the board.
Prosecute gaming violations in consultation with the district attorneys.

Efforts to reform the Gaming law date back to December 2004, when Governor Rendell vetoed legislation that would have made several improvements. Since the veto, problems and controversy have continued to surround the Gaming Board, its hiring practices and the conduct of its employees.

The reform package includes legislation that would bar public officials and immediate families from holding any ownership interest in slots licenses. Other bills in the package would enhance the accountability of the Gaming Control Board, tighten legislative oversight, and close ethics loopholes.

"With the awarding of slots licenses fast approaching, enactment of these reforms simply cannot wait," said Robbins. "When the potential for abuse is great, enforcement and oversight must be greater. Pennsylvania is wading into uncharted waters with legalized slots. We owe it to our citizens to do everything possible to ensure the integrity of the process, and that means passing this comprehensive reform."

CONTACT:

Nate Silcox
(717) 787-1322