STACK: GAMING ‘REFORM’ BILL DOES NOT GO FAR ENOUGH

            HARRISBURG, January 5 — State Sen. Mike Stack was disappointed that so-called gaming reform legislation passed this evening without addressing several key reform issues.

             The Senate voted 28-22 in favor of the Senate Bill 711, which would reform the gaming industry and authorize table games in Pennsylvania casinos. Stack voted against the bill.

            “This legislation is touted as a gaming reform bill, but it needs to go further than the bill in its current form,” Stack said. “Table games will surely bring more money to the state, but there needs to be more accountability.”

            Specifically, Stack was dissatisfied that there was no measure in the bill prohibiting lobbyists and licensed gaming entity representatives from having a financial interest in a licensed gaming entity.

            “Legislators and their immediate families are banned from having an interest in casinos, but lobbyists should also be banned. They can influence legislation, which could produce a financial benefit for them or a family member,” Stack said. “If we’re going to talk about reform, this is a key reform element that is missing from the bill.”

            The senator said he also believes that Foxwoods should not get another extension to build a casino along the Delaware riverfront under the legislation. The developer missed the Dec. 1, 2009 deadline for submitting drawing and architectural plans.

            “Foxwoods has had plenty of time to come up with a feasible plan, and it’s time for them to play their cards or fold. If Foxwoods does not have the financing or operational resources to start building a casino, then the Gaming Control Board should revoke their license and give it to someone that can.” Stack said. “The Gaming Control Board may issue a ruling on their request for an extension this week.  The Gaming Control Board should be allowed to do their job.”

            Senate Bill 711 also authorizes that the table games local share goes directly to the City of Philadelphia. Stack said the legislation should include money for communities directly impacted by the casinos as well as language requiring the city to disclose how it spends the money.

            “The city should submit timely reports to the legislature and post this information on a public Web site. This would ensure accountability and would be an all-around good government move,” Stack said.  “Additionally, there is no language in the bill and no guarantee that the communities most impacted by the casinos will receive money. The bill needs to specify where this money will go.”

            Acknowledging the probable passage of Senate Bill 711 into law, Stack said he plans to propose stand-alone bills that address his concerns.

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