Mixed Review for Video Poker

Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato says he has long been a supporter of legalizing video poker machines, but he is not a fan of the Governor’s current proposal. PA Governor Ed Rendell wants to allow bars and social clubs to have up to 5 machines. The state would then tax proceeds to fund a new tuition assistance program for Pennsylvanians going to state schools. Onorato says some, if not all, of such tax dollars should stay in the local community. He says he would have liked to see the legislature offer legalized poker machines as a way to replace drink and car rental taxes to fund mass transit.