Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board to Issue Slots License for Stand-Alone Casino
Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, a body that regulates gambling activities across the state, is expected to come under serious pressure regarding the pending issuance of a slots operation license. Many influential individuals in the gaming industry are seeking to obtain the slots license, and they are reportedly willing to pay for it.
A license to operate slots will cost $50 million. Although last summer, Pennsylvania legislators passed a law forbidding license seekers to make political donations, this measure has yet not been implemented. For example, records show that the president of Alco Parking, who is seeking to construct a slots parlor, already donated as much as $50,000 to various state politicians.
In order to approve and award a slots license, members of the board must achieve a “qualifying majority." This means that the board needs all four members appointed by the legislature, one or more of the three members appointed by the governor to agree. Nick Hays, the board's spokesperson, was reported as saying that the decision regarding slots would not be influenced easily, and that Board members will follow state ethics code.
