The Pennsylvania gambling amendments bill expected to gain approval in the House last Tuesday was once again returned to the Senate with further changes. The Senate will now discuss and vote on the alterations tomorrow. Of local importance is the fact that both House and Senate are agreed that Pittsburgh and Philadelphia will retain the right to enforce zoning and planning processes. A victory that has not gone far enough for some residents.

Whilst the state legislature has given up its efforts to control the development of the proposed slots parlours, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board will decide on the locations. Philadelphia will have two stand-alone casinos and Pittsburgh one. Some residents are unhappy that the sites are selected before the planning process begins. Under the amendments to the gambling law, casino plans would have to be assessed by the cities within 90 days and any decision appealed would go directly to the Supreme Court, avoiding lengthy zoning disputes.

The gambling amendments bill has been shuttlecocking between House and Senate for nearly two years, almost as long as the 2004 slots law has been in existence. A compromise has been reached on many points of contention arising from the revisions, but one issue still to be agreed is whether the casinos should be subject to local smoking bans. Should the Senate make any further alteration to the bill returned to them by the House it is likely that the proposed reforms will await the decision of legislators elected next month. (E-10.26.06)

© Copyright 2006 CasinoCompendium



>>> return to archives
>>> return to frontpage