Today the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board approved two grant requests totalling US$177,488 to law enforcement agencies to fund programmes designed to thwart illegal gambling in the Commonwealth. These were the fourth and fifth awards approved by the Board under the Law Enforcement Grant Program since the programme was amended by the state legislature in January of this year. Grants approved today went to the Armstrong County District Attorney (US$33,488) and the Washington County District Attorney (US$144,000).

Under the programme, the PGCB is authorized to award up to $2 million annually in grants to local law enforcement agencies and the Pennsylvania State Police for the purpose of investigating, enforcing and preventing unlawful gambling in the Commonwealth. A maximum award of $150,000 may be sought by any single local law enforcement agency and a maximum award of $250,000 may be sought by the State Police. Grant funds may be used for the purpose of attending or conducting education and training events, defraying costs associated with investigations, prevention, deterrence or enforcement of laws related to illegal gambling, or the prosecution of crimes involving illegal gambling.

The funding comes solely from gaming revenues generated from licensed casinos. The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board recently reported that slot machine gross revenue increased by 11.49% this October over the same month a year ago. Taxes from slot machine play fund property tax reduction, supports the Commonwealth’s horse racing industry, finances economic development and tourism projects, and provides revenue to local governments and fire companies. (E-11.18.10)

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