Video Poker in PA?

Governor Rendell says legalized video poker machines would help build a $550 million pool to help with tuition costs at state-owned universities and community colleges. The program would give tuition breaks to students in families that earn less than $100 thousand a year. Rendell’s plan would allow bars to install up to five video poker machines each, and then the state would take 50% of the profits. State Police Commissioner Frank Pawlowski says there are already at least 17-thousand illegal machines in bars across the commonwealth, and this would bring in government regulation. Representative Doug Reichley of Berks and Lehigh counties is one of several Republicans taking issue with the plan. He says it would likely cut into lottery and casino revenue that other government agencies rely on, and he's concerned that the state Gaming Board wouldn't be involved in oversight. Other Republicans say they're worried video poker in every bar would exacerbate gambling problems.