Pennsylvania Casino Operators Lobbying For Table Games

Once casino gambling comes to an area, it is hard to stop the momentum that begins to build for full blown casinos. States usually start with slot machines, then gradually increase the game offerings until full blown gambling is legal.

Pennsylvania casino operators are in the middle part of that process. They have already received the right, by law, to offer slot machines and poker, but now they want more.

The operators have asked the House to consider allowing them full table games in their casinos. Blackjack, roulette, and craps, are necessary to help the casinos compete, according to the operators.

The operators are arguing that adding the table games will give them a better chance at competing for gambling dollars with Atlantic City. Without the games, the operators claim they cannot compete.

"Generally speaking, once the door is open to gambling it becomes much easier to argue that you will add something to the mix," said President of Susquehanna Polling and Research in Harrisburg.

Florida is experiencing the same type of growth. Voters in Broward and Miami-Dade Counties have approved slot machines and poker at pari-mutuel locations. In the time since they have been legalized in Broward, Governor Crist has signed a compact with the Seminole Indians allowing them baccarat and blackjack.

May 17, 2008
Posted By Larry Rutherford
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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