Bethlehem Banning Table Games 

City Councilmen Gordon Mowrer and Joseph Leeson, Jr. have been busy at work trying to find ways to limit gambling in the city of Bethlehem. With Pennsylvania legalizing slot machines, the two feel it is just a matter of time before the state legalizes table games as well, and they want to make sure that they are prepared.

A year ago they tried to ban gambling in Bethlehem all together, and now they are focusing on table games, roulette, and craps if a slots casino looks like it might be able to come to their area. They think that it is important to get ahead of the gambling curve, and since there is a zoning amendment on the books to allow “licensed gaming facilities” at the Bethlehem Steel Plant, they want to cover all bases.

Council President Michael Schweder thinks it is more a political move than anything. He thinks that they are just trying to kill the zoning amendment, just before it comes up for its final vote. He says that it was already voted in 5-2 in favor, and if the amendment has a change in it, ultimately it will delay the voting decision for months. ''A majority of council indicates a willingness to support slot machines in the city of Bethlehem,'' said Leeson. ''The question becomes: Are we willing to take a stand…[are we] Las Vegas or Atlantic City-style gambling or just slot machines? I think it's a proper question to ask and a good discussion to have.''

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