Gaming Oversight Committee Approves Video Poker Legislation

The State House Committee on Gaming Oversight today approved a bill that would legalize video poker. The legislation had been voted on in committee on Thursday and reached a tie vote of 13-13. Today Representative Curtis Thomas changed his vote and the bill was sent to the House floor by a 14-12 vote. Members of the committee had concerns over how the revenue gleaned from the video poker machines would be used to fund state universities. Some members wanted to include the four state related universities, Pitt, Penn State, Temple and Lincoln. In the legislation approved when revenue over $550 million is achieved the four state related universities will begin to share in the funds. The bill now goes on to the House floor for debate and a vote.