Gaming Reform Bill Includes Robbins' Provisions Strengthening Role of Attorney General and Requiring Great Fraud Prevention Efforts

Harrisburg – Senator Bob Robbins (R-50) -- an opponent of gambling -- announced that the Senate unanimously passed a measure reforming the 2004 Gaming Law. Included in the bill are provisions inserted by Sen. Robbins that would provide the Attorney General with additional oversight over gaming operators as well an additional layer of protection against fraud.

"Pennsylvania is wading into uncharted waters with legalized slots," said Sen. Robbins. "When the potential for abuse exists, there must be greater oversight and enforcement in place. We owe it to our citizens to do everything possible to ensure the integrity of the process, and that means passing this comprehensive reform measure."

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 surrounded the PA Gaming Control Board. This led to Senator Robbins joining a group of Senate colleagues in spearheading many of the reforms now contained in Senate Bill 862.

Language from two bills sponsored by Senator Robbins was inserted into Senate Bill 862. One of Robbins' bills (Senate Bill 1318) would provide the Attorney General with greater oversight over gaming operations and stronger enforcement powers. Another of Robbins' bills (Senate Bill 1320) would provide consumers with another layer of protection against potential fraud by gaming operators.

In addition to the Robbins' provisions, Senate Bill 862 would:

Eliminate the provision allowing public officials to hold a financial interest in a gaming license.
Establish a Code of Conduct for the Gaming Control Board.
Ensure that the PA Gaming Control Board is subject to the Right-to-Know Act, the Sunshine Law, and other open-government laws.
Require employment practices to follow those of other state agencies, including the requirement that background checks be completed before employment.

Robbins stated, "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."

Senate Bill 862 now heads to the House for consideration.

CONTACT:

Nate Silcox
(717) 787-1322