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For Immediate Release
8/4/06
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Senators Unveil Bills to Reform PA Slots Law

Package includes Pippy bill to bar public officials from profiting from slots licenses.

Harrisburg – A group of Republican state Senators today announced a package of bills to make major structural reforms to Pennsylvania’s two-year-old slots gaming law. The package includes legislation sponsored by Sen. John Pippy (R-37).

The 21-bill package includes several new proposals as well as bills already introduced, such as Senate Bill 862, Senator Pippy’s legislation that would bar public officials and immediate families from holding any ownership interest in slots licenses.

The General Assembly overwhelmingly approved similar legislation sponsored by Pippy in 2004, but it was vetoed by the governor. As a result, public officials can continue to hold up to one-percent ownership of a slots-related firm.

“One-percent ownership by a public official is one percent too much. We need to reform the gaming law now so that Pennsylvania citizens can have faith in the system. That means zero percent,” said Pippy.  “Perception matters. We must resolve beyond any question the concerns raised about public officials holding any interest in gaming venues or suppliers.”

Other bills in the package would enhance the accountability of the Gaming Control Board, improve oversight by the Attorney General and the General Assembly, and close ethics loopholes.  

CONTACT: Matt Campion (412) 262-2260