STACK CITES NUMEROUS GAMING CONCERNS ON SENATE FLOOR

            HARRISBURG, December 15 — As debate on legislation that would bring table games to Pennsylvania continues, state Sen. Mike Stack today blasted a provision in the measure (Senate Bill 711) that would give Foxwoods casino developers another building extension. He also expressed the need for stricter ethical standards and accessibility to lines of credit at the casinos.

            The developers of Foxwoods, which is one of two potential casinos that have yet to break ground along the Delaware riverfront in Philadelphia, are seeking an extension so that they can improve their building design to accommodate potential table games.

            “This is not just a bad excuse, it’s no excuse. We’ve seen delay after delay with this project and no progress,” Stack said. “Other casinos that are currently up and running are prepared for table games, so what’s the holdup with Foxwoods?”

            Additionally, a provision in the table games legislation (Senate Bill 711) calls for allowing an additional extension for Foxwoods developers.

            “It’s getting close to the time where maybe another casino operator would be more appropriate,” Stack said. “If Foxwoods can’t get it done on time, maybe one of the other former contenders can.”

            Stack called for stricter ethics rules to the table games legislation. As of this afternoon, House is currently debating the legislation. If approved, it will come back to the Senate for consideration.

            Senate Bill 711 currently would require the Gaming Control Board to post online, information on individuals with a controlling interest or ownership in any licensed casino and applicant.

            “We need additional safeguards to ensure that the legislative process is not corrupted,” Stack said. “Legislators and our families are not allowed to have a vested interest in the gaming industry. Lobbyists and their immediate families, who could have influence on potential future legislation, should have the same restrictions.”

            Finally, Stack shared his concerns with the gaming bill’s provisions on players’ access to lines of credit.

            Extending lines of credit makes sense as a safety precaution for table games players who are carrying large amounts of cash. At the same time, the provision makes it easier for players to make impulsive and poor financial decisions after quickly draining their spending money at a slots machine.

            “Slots can be addictive. The payoff is instant, but so are the losses,” Stack said. “Slots players, especially those who are prone to making bad choices and being careless with their money, don’t need a line of credit to continue to play.”

            Some casinos are located next to racetracks, where patrons are permitted to access lines of credit, so players can simply walk from the casino to the racetrack and get money, Stack said.

            “Let’s not make it easier for people to get into debt,” he said.

            Stack said he intends to offer amendments to Senate Bill 711 that would make improvements for the benefit of all Pennsylvanians. The Senate is expected to consider the bill tomorrow.

Back to PaSenate.com