Pennsylvania Casinos To Compete With Surrounding State Casinos

Governor Rendell of Pennsylvania had a busy day yesterday dealing with gambling related issues. He signed the bill that allows gamblers more than one free drink while they are playing slots and he also made official statements regarding the future of table games in his state.

Gov. Rendell warned that there must be future limitations to how many drinks a gambler would be allowed per hour. "Virtually every gaming operation around the world has this amenity, but there are rules and regulations that control it and limit it."

The state appears to be basing many of its decisions with the emphasis on competing with surrounding state casinos. Thus, the issue of bringing table games to Pennsylvania slot parlors such as the new Mohegan Sun that is now open in the Poconos.

Rendell said the state will have to gauge the success of the new slot machines before he will sign any bill to extend gambling licenses for table games.

William DeWeese, who is set to become the Pennsylvania House speaker when the new session starts in January, already has legislation in the works that will allow table games. He denied the idea that table games would be harmful to the community than slot machines. In fact, Michael Manzo, Deweese's spokesman, insisted that instilling table games at Pennsylvania casinos would be necessary to compete with surrounding state's casinos.

"We have to make sure that over time, the expansion of gaming is successful, it works well, and whatever negative sides there are to it, that we control them," Gov. Rendell said. "And until we've had a significant test period to see that in operation, I don't think any of these bills should be considered and I wouldn't sign them."

No other state has passed a slots law and a table games law separately, Pennsylvania would be the first.

November 30, 2006
Posted By Larry Rutherford
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com    Previous Page | Internet Gambling | Top Online Casinos | Submit News!