Robbins: Senate Unanimously Passes Reform of Gaming Law

Bill Includes Robbins' Anti-Fraud Provision & Enforcement Role for Attorney General

Harrisburg – Senator Bob Robbins (R-50) announced that the Senate -- for the second time in a month -- has passed a measure that would reform the 2004 Gaming Law.

Senate Bill 862 -- which has been amended several times by the House and Senate -- contains two significant provisions advocated by Senator Robbins.

First, the Attorney General will now have a strong enforcement role in overseeing gaming operations. The bill charges the Attorney General with establishing a Gaming Unit to enforce the law. The Attorney General is provided concurrent jurisdiction relating to gaming crimes and to enforce racketeering violations. The Attorney General will also play a role in reviewing regulations proposed by the Gaming Control Board. Similar provisions were contained in Senator Robbins' Senate Bill 1318.

Secondly, the legislation contains anti-fraud provisions. The Department of Revenue is charged with ensuring that their central control computer is able to verify software, detect alterations in payouts and detect other methods of fraud in all aspects of the operation of slot machines. Similar provisions were contained in Senator Robbins’ Senate Bill 1320.

In addition to the Robbins' provisions, Senate Bill 862 contains the following measures:

Eliminates the provision allowing public officials to hold a financial interest in a gaming license.
Establishes a Code of Conduct for the Gaming Control Board.
Ensures that the PA Gaming Control Board is subject to the Right-to-Know Act, the Sunshine Law, and other open-government laws.
Requires employment practices to follow those of other state agencies, including the requirement that background checks be completed before employment.
Eliminates the provision inserted in the House that would have shortened the time period that a harness racing license could be converted into a stand-alone slots license.
Eliminates the provision inserted in the House that would have allowed an entity suing the state to be eligible for a slots license.

"With the advent of slot machines in Pennsylvania, everyone involved must be above reproach," said Robbins, an opponent of gambling. "We must prohibit legislators and lobbyists from ownership. We must eliminate the 'middlemen' suppliers. We must provide the Attorney General with jurisdiction to prosecute gaming violations. We must fight the corruption that comes from gambling. I support these reforms that I hope will soon become law."

Senate Bill 862 now heads to the House for consideration.

CONTACT:

Nate Silcox
(717) 787-1322