Gaming Reform Bill 

The gaming reform bill that everyone has been waiting on might finally be coming to a head. The Senate passed it last night, and now it is in the hands of the House. It is expected that the House will approve it, and if they do, big changes are a comin’. 

With the first slot machines getting ready to run and everyone waiting eagerly to see how the reform will pan out, the back and forth of the bill has been making everyone crazy to see how the legislature will end up swinging. There has been much talk of compromise with both sides giving up things that they wanted in order to get the bill approved, so it is expected that the House will have no problem approving it.  

Once approved, the middlemen slot machine suppliers will become optional. The casinos can buy from whoever they want, with the caveat that only 50% can come from one manufacturer. Also, Pittsburgh and other communities will have the power to legislate their own zoning ordinances without the gaming board getting involved. If there are delays caused by the zoning, the casinos are fast tracked to the state supreme court to get a ruling. 

Also, if Allegheny County wants to ban smoking it can, which is much better than the previous ruling that said they had to allow smoking in all casinos no matter what. The Attorney General is setting up a gambling crimes unit which takes the responsibility out of the hands of the gaming board. And finally, elected officials are banned from owning any interest in any casino or slot machine at all. This reverses the one percent interest they were previously allowed. 

The Senate is now in recess however, so if the House decides it doesn’t like anything the bill will sit some more.

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