Pennsylvania Governor In Favor Of Tightening Gambling Oversight

Lawmakers in the state of Pennsylvania want to ensure that there is the correct amount of oversight for their casino gambling industry. Governor Ed Rendell agrees with the lawmakers and has asked them to move quickly to make the changes.

Dauphin District Attorney Ed Marsico has recommended that changes be made to the oversight of casinos and their operators after having to drop perjury charges against Poconos casino owner Louis DeNaples.

The changes being proposed would ban convicted felons from the casino industry. Any gambling board members would have to be approved by the Senate, and the background investigations would be conducted by the attorney general, not the gambling board.

Another major change in the licensing process would be that casino license applications would be open to the public. That would give the state more credibility when making their decisions on who receives the licenses.

"I'm one hundred percent in support," said Rendell, "We should adopt the bills swiftly. We'll encourage their adoption and sign them."

The Senate and the House have both been pushing for the reforms of the state policies regarding casino gambling. Some, including Senate Majority Whip Jane Orie, believe Pennsylvania is among the most corrupt when it comes to gaming policies.

"These reforms have to take place or Pennsylvania will maintain its place as the most corrupt gaming state in the country," said Orie.

April 25, 2009
Posted By Terry Goodwin
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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