Wednesday, July 8, 2009

State Gets Tough On Gambling

The Pennsylvania Senate is dealing with more than just the state budget these days. The Senate has recently given approval to over a dozen changes to the law governing casinos. The State Senate voted 47 to 1 to approve 16 provisions to the Gaming Act. The bill now moves to the State House of Representatives.

The most notable provisions are:

* The prohibition of State Gaming Control Board members, including attorneys, from being employed by any regulated entity for two years after leaving the board.

*The prohibition of Board members from holding a separate job.

*Reestablishing the prohibition of political campaign contributions by individuals or entities subject to the gaming act.

*Limiting reimbursement for board members and employees to actual and reasonable expenses with receipts required for any reimbursement over $10.

*The prohibition of any convicted felon from receiving a gaming license.

The Pennsylvania Senate is also considering a bill that would require casinos that offer reward cards to track the amount of money and time spent gambling and send monthly statements that list patrons' winnings and losses to reward card members homes.

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