Information on Pennsylvanian Slots Applicants May Remain Confidential
Applications submitted by slots license hopefuls in Pennsylvania could remain confidential. Nick Hays, the state Gaming Control Board spokesperson, said that Pennsylvania gambling law obligates the board to publicize only a list of applicants. Any release of information on applicants' background checks has been strictly forbidden, and disclosure of other information requires prior approval from the board.
Nevertheless, supporters of public disclosure maintain that people need full access to the applications, so that they can better evaluate the applicants and examine their proposals. Members of the Pittsburgh Gaming Task Force said that they wish to review the applications for the city's future slots casino, in order to determine the impact of its design and location on the city and its residents.
Task force members are expected to meet with the Control Board next month in order to negotiate the extent of the information to be made available. Also, a state lawmaker reportedly said that, aside from background checks, it has never been the legislature's intention to keep information about the slots applicants a secret. The disclosure of all other details will strictly comply with Pennsylvania's Right to Know Law.
