Casino Table Game Legislation Introduced In Pennsylvania

Atlantic City has long been the standard by which other casino gambling ventures on the East Coast of the US are judged. That is no longer the case, with many states taking advantage of the recent revenue struggles at AC casinos.

Pennsylvania is one of those states that has been expanding their casino gambling options over the past few years. Now, they appear poised to go for the knockout punch and surpass AC as the top gaming destination in the East.

Representative Bill DeWeese introduced legislation on Tuesday that would legalize table games at Pennsylvania casinos. It does not seem that it will be far-fetched to believe the legislation will be passed.

"Discussions I have had with the Senate president and House Appropriations chairman lead me to believe that our table games proposal has significantly more momentum now than it did just a week or two ago," said DeWeese, "I just think that reality is starting to set in. Republicans are telling the governor they are not voting for broad-based taxes."

The way the legislation is currently written, casino operators would have to pay a $10 million fee up front for the right to table games. Blackjack, craps, and poker would be available at the casinos if the fee was paid.

Governor Rendell has been a proponent of casino expansion, but believes this may not be the time for table games. he is not sure that it will make a big difference in the current budget.

"I don't think it brings enough revenue to make a difference," said Rendell, of the table game legislation. DeWeese estimates that $200 million to $300 million a year could be generated for the state.

June 18, 2009
Posted By April Gardner
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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