Senate Passes Gaming Reform Package to More Strictly Regulate Industry 

The State Senate today approved a major gaming reform package that is intended to provide stricter oversight of the industry and address issues that have surfaced since slots gambling was legalized in Pennsylvania in 2004, according to Senator Jane Orie (R-40).  

Orie said that many of the reforms were drafted as a result of public hearings and public comment on the gaming industry, which pointed to flaws and weaknesses in the current system. 

"The reforms included in Senate Bill 711 will close loopholes that have been identified since gaming was legalized in Pennsylvania," Orie said.   "We now know that there are places where we need to strengthen the law to ensure that these facilities are operating in a manner that is open, aboveboard and accountable.  This package addresses all of these issues from the top down." 

Senate Bill 711, which passed the Senate with bipartisan support, would make numerous changes to the law regulating casinos in Pennsylvania.  It would reestablish the prohibition on political campaign contributions by individuals and entities subject to the Gaming Act, bar outside employment by members of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB), and extend the ban on felons receiving gaming licenses. 

"When Pennsylvania approved its gaming law five years ago, it was understood that it would need careful oversight and a strong law in place to prevent corruption and malfeasance and ensure public confidence," Orie said.  "In its relatively short history, the Gaming Control Board has been mired in one controversy after another.  One thing has become very clear -- our law is weak. It is flawed.  And it’s time to fix it." 

Among its provisions, Senate Bill 711 would:

• reestablish the prohibition on political campaign contributions by individuals and entities subject to the Gaming Act,
• bar outside employment by members of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB),
• create a lifetime ban for felons from receiving gaming licenses,
• allow for the consideration of expunged criminal records,
• addresses the revolving door issue by extending the prohibition to two years and including attorneys from going to work for a licensee and
• hold both the employee and the licensee who hires them accountable for violating the prohibition.

The bill also addresses the salary structure and public availability of the expenses of the Gaming Board.  It brings greater transparency to the licensing process by requiring the Internet posting of controlling interests and ownership interests of the licensees and clarifies confidentiality provisions. 

Orie said she recently met with the Chairman of the Gaming Board and was pleased to hear that the board is moving on its own with reforms – including reducing their fleet vehicle costs and eliminating private lease vehicles for board members.