The push to legalize table games in Pennsylvania was all about revenues.
In a cash-strapped budget year when few legislators wanted to raise taxes, the state needed other funding sources. Not surprisingly, expanding gambling became a lot more appealing.
But it wasn’t a “sure bet.”
Why? Because 153 days after the budget deadline, the state still has not technically legalized table games.
The state budget that finally passed Oct. 9 included an estimate of $200 million in revenue from table games. In the eyes of the public, it was a done deal. People posted on Facebook “Can’t wait to play in PA,” but the budget did not formally legalize the games.
The Legislature has to pass a separate bill to do that, something lawmakers have been unable to accomplish.
The latest reports from the Capitol and Governor’s Office indicate a table games bill could pass before Christmas, as if this were some sort of home fix-up project that they will get around to when they have spare time.
In fact, time is of the essence.
Read the full Patriot-News article here
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