Most of Pennsylvania's 10 operating casinos have been open for nearly 2 years. Last month the 10 casinos in Pennsylvania grossed $264.3 million from slots and table games.
However, the casinos have not yet begun repaying a combined $63.9 million in loans from the state...and they're not legally required to do so...yet.
Michael Smith, spokesman for Pennsylvania Treasurer Rob McCord, says the loans were made from the Property Tax Relief Reserve Fund between 2007 and 2010 to help get the industry up and running.
A June 30 deadline is looming, not to begin paying back the loans, but rather for the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board to adopt a repayment plan.
"The law does say the casinos are not obligated to begin repaying the loans until the 11th facility is up and running."
However, McCord believes that could be another year or two for the 11th casino to begin operations. That's because in December the Gaming Control Board revoked the license of the proposed Foxwoods Casino four years after awarding the license and without the facility ever getting started.
The law says the repayment plan has to be adopted by the end of next month...
"Treasurer McCord's proposal is the next day on July 1 we should amend the fiscal code and require the 10 operating casinos up and running today to start repaying those loans," says Smith.
McCord, as Treasurer, is a non-voting member of the Control Board and is the legal custodian of the Property Tax Relief Reserve Fund. McCord believes that a further delay in repaying the loans creates the risk that not enough funds may be available to trigger property tax relief funds next year.
Amending the fiscal code is up to the legislature.
Showing posts with label gambling. Show all posts
Showing posts with label gambling. Show all posts
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Senator: Prohibit Gambling with Unemployment Funds
A state senator is chagrined that the latest Unemployment Compensation bill passed the Pennsylvania Senate without her amendment to bar the use of such funds at casinos.
Senator Lisa Boscola says her amendment would have prevented beneficiaries from using their Unemployment Compensation card at any ATM machine inside a casino.
Boscola says a similar measure is in place for state welfare cards, and could easily be implemented by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.
The Northampton County Democrat says she thinks gambling with unemployment funds is a misuse of the program, which is paid into by employers. Boscola says she doesn’t think preventing cash withdrawals at casino ATMs is restricting anyone’s liberty.
Boscola says she had previously introduced the legislation as a stand-alone bill, but that has been in committee since the last legislative session. She says she’s going to increase her public outreach efforts and keep trying to get the original bill passed.
“Part of this is education, because once people know that individuals are using this card at the casinos, they’re getting very upset. But not enough people know right now,” says Boscola. “As I make people more aware, I’m hoping that more and more senators say, ‘You know what, this is a problem and we need to correct it.’”
Boscola says she thinks there are two reasons the amendment didn't make it through the Senate vote: first, because it would have delayed an urgent bill; second, because the state's gaming industry vehemently opposed it.
Senator Lisa Boscola says her amendment would have prevented beneficiaries from using their Unemployment Compensation card at any ATM machine inside a casino.
Boscola says a similar measure is in place for state welfare cards, and could easily be implemented by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.
The Northampton County Democrat says she thinks gambling with unemployment funds is a misuse of the program, which is paid into by employers. Boscola says she doesn’t think preventing cash withdrawals at casino ATMs is restricting anyone’s liberty.
Boscola says she had previously introduced the legislation as a stand-alone bill, but that has been in committee since the last legislative session. She says she’s going to increase her public outreach efforts and keep trying to get the original bill passed.
“Part of this is education, because once people know that individuals are using this card at the casinos, they’re getting very upset. But not enough people know right now,” says Boscola. “As I make people more aware, I’m hoping that more and more senators say, ‘You know what, this is a problem and we need to correct it.’”
Boscola says she thinks there are two reasons the amendment didn't make it through the Senate vote: first, because it would have delayed an urgent bill; second, because the state's gaming industry vehemently opposed it.
Probe Finds Political Pressure On Gaming Decisions
A two-year grand jury investigation of Pennsylvania’s Gaming Control Board culminated in a scathing 102-page report, but no recommendations for criminal charges.
The report alleges political pressure from lawmakers and board members led to intentionally lax investigations of casino license applicants, hires for well-connected but poorly-qualified job candidates, and rushed decisions. It says board officials ran interference for preferred license applicants, leading to incomplete background checks by its Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement. The grand jury says the organization “engaged in activities which eroded, at a minimum, this grand jury’s confidence in the system.” It "failed to thoroughly protect the public from unlawful gaming practices; failed to maximize potential new revenue to the commonwealth to support property tax relief.”
Longtime board critic Mike Vereb, a Montgomery County House Republican, said the report shows the need for reform. “This is a damning report. And it doesn’t indict people, but it indicts the process,” he said. “And we have an obligation – and the people in this building better start getting the message – we have an obligation to fix the law.”
Vereb sponsored a House bill removing the Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement, the board’s investigative arm, from under the agency’s control. The report recommended the change, along with 20 other suggestions, including annual independent audits; online posting of contracts and right-to-know requests; stricter guidelines for gubernatorial appointees; a decrease in the amount of executive sessions conducted by the board; and full public transcripts of the sessions that do take place.
In a statement, Board Chair Greg Fajt called the report “a rehash of old news,” and a waste of tax money. "The Board has steadfastly and repeatedly said that we did our work well, we have protected the public, and the citizens of Pennsylvania are reaping tremendous dividends from our work…After this grand jury met for more than 2 years, there were no arrests, no presentments, no indictments. They found no criminal activity because there was, in fact, no criminal activity to be found."
The report alleges political pressure from lawmakers and board members led to intentionally lax investigations of casino license applicants, hires for well-connected but poorly-qualified job candidates, and rushed decisions. It says board officials ran interference for preferred license applicants, leading to incomplete background checks by its Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement. The grand jury says the organization “engaged in activities which eroded, at a minimum, this grand jury’s confidence in the system.” It "failed to thoroughly protect the public from unlawful gaming practices; failed to maximize potential new revenue to the commonwealth to support property tax relief.”
Longtime board critic Mike Vereb, a Montgomery County House Republican, said the report shows the need for reform. “This is a damning report. And it doesn’t indict people, but it indicts the process,” he said. “And we have an obligation – and the people in this building better start getting the message – we have an obligation to fix the law.”
Vereb sponsored a House bill removing the Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement, the board’s investigative arm, from under the agency’s control. The report recommended the change, along with 20 other suggestions, including annual independent audits; online posting of contracts and right-to-know requests; stricter guidelines for gubernatorial appointees; a decrease in the amount of executive sessions conducted by the board; and full public transcripts of the sessions that do take place.
In a statement, Board Chair Greg Fajt called the report “a rehash of old news,” and a waste of tax money. "The Board has steadfastly and repeatedly said that we did our work well, we have protected the public, and the citizens of Pennsylvania are reaping tremendous dividends from our work…After this grand jury met for more than 2 years, there were no arrests, no presentments, no indictments. They found no criminal activity because there was, in fact, no criminal activity to be found."
Monday, May 9, 2011
City Homeowners Get $269 Tax Reduction
Pittsburgh homeowners should expect to see a $269 reduction in their property tax bills this year. Pennsylvania Secretary of Education Ron Tomalis announced the number today. The reduction stems from the $612.1 million raised through slot machine revenues.
School districts will receive the funds in two equal installments in August and October. "In Pennsylvania, we are all financially responsible for educating our youth and in difficult economic times, the burden of high property taxes can be overwhelming," Tomalis said.
The task of dividing the money among the state's school districts falls to the Department of Education. The department estimates the average homeowner will see a $200 reduction in their property taxes.
In Allegheny County, homeowners in the Duquesne City School District will see the highest reduction at $351. Avonworth School District homeowners will see the lowest reduction in the county at $85.
Somerset SD home and farmstead owners will see an average reduction of $136 and Johnstown SD home and farmstead owners will see a $211 reduction.
All the numbers can be found on the Department of Education’s website.
School districts will receive the funds in two equal installments in August and October. "In Pennsylvania, we are all financially responsible for educating our youth and in difficult economic times, the burden of high property taxes can be overwhelming," Tomalis said.
The task of dividing the money among the state's school districts falls to the Department of Education. The department estimates the average homeowner will see a $200 reduction in their property taxes.
In Allegheny County, homeowners in the Duquesne City School District will see the highest reduction at $351. Avonworth School District homeowners will see the lowest reduction in the county at $85.
Somerset SD home and farmstead owners will see an average reduction of $136 and Johnstown SD home and farmstead owners will see a $211 reduction.
All the numbers can be found on the Department of Education’s website.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Table Game Revenue Reaches High Point
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board says revenues for table games in March totaled $54,606,617. That's $10 million dollars more than the previous top month, December. Table games have been operating in Pennsylvania only since July 2010 and Gaming Control Board spokesman Richard McGarvey says it is still a growing market
"March really does start to signal the point of the year where more people are going out, vacationing, and gambling. So, this is not terribly unexpected. Certainly it's a larger increase than we've seen before too. It's about a 25 percent increase, so it was a good month."
The casino that saw the lowest increase was Pittsburgh's Rivers Casino at less than one percent. However, gross revenues at the Meadows Racetrack and Casino in Washington County skyrocketed 300 percent from $1.1 million in February to nearly $4.5 million in March. McGarvey attributes this fluctuation to the games themselves.
"You really are playing some games of skill. Still some chance involved obviously in all of them, but because of that, you can have in any given month somebody or a group of people that are really big winners at the casino which effects the bottom line."
McGarvey adds that casinos are more likely to pay out at tables games than they are with slot machines. He also adds that the revenues are expected to continue to rise throughout the summer like they do in other states like New Jersey.
The top grossing gaming facility continues to be Parx Casino in Bensalem, 18 miles from Philadelphia, at $8.2 million in revenues in March.
"March really does start to signal the point of the year where more people are going out, vacationing, and gambling. So, this is not terribly unexpected. Certainly it's a larger increase than we've seen before too. It's about a 25 percent increase, so it was a good month."
The casino that saw the lowest increase was Pittsburgh's Rivers Casino at less than one percent. However, gross revenues at the Meadows Racetrack and Casino in Washington County skyrocketed 300 percent from $1.1 million in February to nearly $4.5 million in March. McGarvey attributes this fluctuation to the games themselves.
"You really are playing some games of skill. Still some chance involved obviously in all of them, but because of that, you can have in any given month somebody or a group of people that are really big winners at the casino which effects the bottom line."
McGarvey adds that casinos are more likely to pay out at tables games than they are with slot machines. He also adds that the revenues are expected to continue to rise throughout the summer like they do in other states like New Jersey.
The top grossing gaming facility continues to be Parx Casino in Bensalem, 18 miles from Philadelphia, at $8.2 million in revenues in March.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Proposed Changes to Gaming Investigative Duties
Legislation has been introduced to move the Bureau of Investigations and Enforcement (BIE) from the Gaming Control Board to the Pennsylvania State Police.
The BIE conducts background checks on casino license applicants, among other duties. Republican State Representative Ronald Marsico of Dauphin County says he introduced the bill in part because of past actions of the Gaming Control Board.
"I guess it was back in 2008. There were some problems with the Gaming Control Board and its inability to access appropriate criminal background information concerning license applicants, and these issues have cast a cloud over Pennsylvania's gaming industry."
Marsico says that the State Police have already expressed willingness to take on the responsibilities and while it would expand their current budget it would only do so by a little.
This comes after a similar bill was introduced in March by Republican Representative Mike Vereb to have the BIE moved to the Attorney General's Office. The Attorney General supported the legislation but conceded the switch would take time and money.
Marsico says that he would be fine with either the Attorney General or State Police taking over the duties as long as it was out of the Gaming Control Board's hands. He says that he will soon ask the Chair of the House Gaming Oversight Committee to move the bill to hearings or a vote.
The BIE conducts background checks on casino license applicants, among other duties. Republican State Representative Ronald Marsico of Dauphin County says he introduced the bill in part because of past actions of the Gaming Control Board.
"I guess it was back in 2008. There were some problems with the Gaming Control Board and its inability to access appropriate criminal background information concerning license applicants, and these issues have cast a cloud over Pennsylvania's gaming industry."
Marsico says that the State Police have already expressed willingness to take on the responsibilities and while it would expand their current budget it would only do so by a little.
This comes after a similar bill was introduced in March by Republican Representative Mike Vereb to have the BIE moved to the Attorney General's Office. The Attorney General supported the legislation but conceded the switch would take time and money.
Marsico says that he would be fine with either the Attorney General or State Police taking over the duties as long as it was out of the Gaming Control Board's hands. He says that he will soon ask the Chair of the House Gaming Oversight Committee to move the bill to hearings or a vote.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Civil War Preservationists Happy With Casino Choice
Pennsylvania’s new resort casino license is going to Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, in Fayette County.
The resort, located about 60 miles southeast of Pittsburgh, beat out applications from the Poconos, the Harrisburg area, and a high-profile plan to build a casino a few miles from the Gettysburg battlefield.
The Gaming Board had been deadlocked for months, but reached the required supermajority consensus after Keith McCall and Tony Moscato replaced Jeffrey Coy and Ken McCabe earlier this year. In order to award a license, all four legislative appointees and at least one of the governor’s three picks need to agree on an application. Ken Trujillo was today’s lone dissenting vote – he supported the Poconos bid.
Nemacolin founder Joe Hardy was beside himself after the vote, comparing the decision to a Super Bowl win. “Thrilled, thrilled,” he said. “I’d like to be able to jump, but I can’t! It’s great. It’s wonderful.”
The dozens of Gettysburg casino opponents at the hearing were just as happy. They gasped when the first Nemacolin votes were recorded, and burst into cheers when the result was announced. “Long live Gettysburg!” yelled one man.
Tanya Wagner of Mechanicsburg, Cumberland County, broke into tears when she talked to a reporter afterwards. “This is the second time in five years that we’ve gone through this, “she said, “and we were so afraid.” Wagner was worried the casino “would have changed the character of the community and undermined the whole definition of what Gettysburg is.”
“There are thousands of casinos,” said Wagner. “There’s only one Gettysburg.”
The project’s spokesman, David La Torre, dismissed the opposition as “bluster and noise,” arguing “Adams County supported our project.”
“All you have to do is look at the official Gaming Control Board records,” he said. “When it came time to talk about our project, when it came time for the public to come forward, more supporters than opponents testified at our public hearing.”
Mason Dixon Resorts and the other losing bids will have a month to appeal the decision, once the Board issues its formal report in the coming weeks. Nemacolin, meanwhile, is hoping to open up its new casino within a year of the board’s formal license issuance. The project is expected to cost $50 million.
The resort’s president, Maggie Hardy Magerko, dismissed the idea Nemacolin was the “safe” pick, given the controversy surrounding the Gettysburg bid. “I don’t know if it was less complicated,” she said. “Again, I’m going to back to the amenities. It has to be a well-established resort. And we are a well-established resort. We have been for over 20 years. …If you’ve been to Nemacolin, there isn’t much there that we don’t have except the ocean.”
“We’re working on that,” added Hardy.
The casino, named “Lady Luck Nemacolin,” will have 600 slot machines – the legal limit for category 3 licenses -- as well as 28 table games.
The resort, located about 60 miles southeast of Pittsburgh, beat out applications from the Poconos, the Harrisburg area, and a high-profile plan to build a casino a few miles from the Gettysburg battlefield.
The Gaming Board had been deadlocked for months, but reached the required supermajority consensus after Keith McCall and Tony Moscato replaced Jeffrey Coy and Ken McCabe earlier this year. In order to award a license, all four legislative appointees and at least one of the governor’s three picks need to agree on an application. Ken Trujillo was today’s lone dissenting vote – he supported the Poconos bid.
Nemacolin founder Joe Hardy was beside himself after the vote, comparing the decision to a Super Bowl win. “Thrilled, thrilled,” he said. “I’d like to be able to jump, but I can’t! It’s great. It’s wonderful.”
The dozens of Gettysburg casino opponents at the hearing were just as happy. They gasped when the first Nemacolin votes were recorded, and burst into cheers when the result was announced. “Long live Gettysburg!” yelled one man.
Tanya Wagner of Mechanicsburg, Cumberland County, broke into tears when she talked to a reporter afterwards. “This is the second time in five years that we’ve gone through this, “she said, “and we were so afraid.” Wagner was worried the casino “would have changed the character of the community and undermined the whole definition of what Gettysburg is.”
“There are thousands of casinos,” said Wagner. “There’s only one Gettysburg.”
The project’s spokesman, David La Torre, dismissed the opposition as “bluster and noise,” arguing “Adams County supported our project.”
“All you have to do is look at the official Gaming Control Board records,” he said. “When it came time to talk about our project, when it came time for the public to come forward, more supporters than opponents testified at our public hearing.”
Mason Dixon Resorts and the other losing bids will have a month to appeal the decision, once the Board issues its formal report in the coming weeks. Nemacolin, meanwhile, is hoping to open up its new casino within a year of the board’s formal license issuance. The project is expected to cost $50 million.
The resort’s president, Maggie Hardy Magerko, dismissed the idea Nemacolin was the “safe” pick, given the controversy surrounding the Gettysburg bid. “I don’t know if it was less complicated,” she said. “Again, I’m going to back to the amenities. It has to be a well-established resort. And we are a well-established resort. We have been for over 20 years. …If you’ve been to Nemacolin, there isn’t much there that we don’t have except the ocean.”
“We’re working on that,” added Hardy.
The casino, named “Lady Luck Nemacolin,” will have 600 slot machines – the legal limit for category 3 licenses -- as well as 28 table games.
Nemacolin Gets Gaming License
The Pittsburgh region is getting a third casino. The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board voted 6-1 this morning to award the state's last "resort casino" license to Nemacolin Woodlands in Fayette County. The permit allows for 600 slot machines, and if the board approves, a maximum of 50 table games. Nemacolin beat out three other applicants: the Fernwood Hotel & Resort in the Poconos; a Holiday Inn in suburban Harrisburg; and, Mason Dixon Resorts near Gettysburg, which generated opposition from Civil War preservationists. 84 Lumber CEO and Nemacolin founder Joe Hardy was very pleased..... "Thrilled, thrilled...I'd like to be able to jump, but I can't. But, yeah, it's great, great..Super Bowl." Isle of Capri Casinos will operate the gaming at Nemacolin. Paul Keller, senior vice president for Isle of Capri, says Nemacolin will have a unique casino.... "I think what helped us out was the (Gaming Control) Board realized that this license was designed to boost tourism for the state of Pennsylvania, and there's nobody that can compete with Nemacolin in terms of tourism." Officials at the Meadows Racetrack and Casino in neighboring Washington County opposed Nemacolin's application, arguing that with the Pittsburgh Rivers Casino and the Meadows, the region was already saturated with gaming.
Friday, April 8, 2011
Efforts Renewed to Force Casinos to Issue Statements
If a Pennsylvania lawmaker has his way, everyone in the state holding a preferred player card from a Pennsylvania casino will soon get a monthly statement of his or her winnings and losses. The measure sponsored by Representative Paul Clymer of Bucks County passed out of committee this week on a 14-11 vote. The measure has always been ignored in the past and the idea was debated but left out of the original slot machine guidelines.
Clymer says this is a mater of alerting families to a family member’s addiction. “Let them know that there is a loved one within the household who is exceeding their gambling limits,” says Clymer. He says often wives or husbands have no idea what is going on until they find out that their finances are in shambles. “The addicted gambler is a little bit different than someone who is on alcohol or on drugs, there is not that difference in their physical or emotional makeup.” He says at times the gambler might not even know what they are doing. “They are not thinking clearly…. when they have the gambling fever.”
Clymer says the casinos are already gathering the information on the players so it should not pose much of an administrative burden and they are already sending out promotional mailings to their preferred customers so they can keep mailing costs down by including the statements in those same envelopes.
Clymer says he understands why the casinos might be against his bill but he is looking forward to having an open debate.
Clymer says this is a mater of alerting families to a family member’s addiction. “Let them know that there is a loved one within the household who is exceeding their gambling limits,” says Clymer. He says often wives or husbands have no idea what is going on until they find out that their finances are in shambles. “The addicted gambler is a little bit different than someone who is on alcohol or on drugs, there is not that difference in their physical or emotional makeup.” He says at times the gambler might not even know what they are doing. “They are not thinking clearly…. when they have the gambling fever.”
Clymer says the casinos are already gathering the information on the players so it should not pose much of an administrative burden and they are already sending out promotional mailings to their preferred customers so they can keep mailing costs down by including the statements in those same envelopes.
Clymer says he understands why the casinos might be against his bill but he is looking forward to having an open debate.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Legislature Considers Shifting Gaming Investigative Duties
Pennsylvania’s acting Attorney General supports a bill moving an investigative unit from the Gaming Control Board to his department, but tells lawmakers the transition would be difficult.
The measure, which has passed the House, would move the Bureau of Investigations and Enforcement (BIE) into the Attorney General’s office. The unit conducts background checks on casino license applicants, among other duties.
Acting AG Bill Ryan told the Senate Appropriations Committee it makes sense to move BIE to his department or the State Police, but conceded the switch would take time and cost money. “To me, and this is my opinion, it would best be done from the ground up,” he said. “I honestly don’t know, Senator, if we could just graft what’s there to our office. I see a lot of issues that could be problematical if that was done.”
The Gaming Control Board says the transition would cost 2 million dollars. Sponsor Mike Vereb, a Republican, is skeptical of the estimate. “They are saying that’s because of computer systems and hardware,” he said. “Let it be known that there is no independent assessment of how much this would cost. We’d have to cut bureaucracy out, and one would think that if we couldn’t cut that at least in half, we could eliminate a better part of it.”
Meantime, confirmation hearings for Ryan’s potential successor, Linda Kelly, will likely be held in April. A vote could come in April or May, according to Senate Republican spokesman Erik Arneson. Kelly needs the support of 2/3 of lawmakers to be confirmed.
The measure, which has passed the House, would move the Bureau of Investigations and Enforcement (BIE) into the Attorney General’s office. The unit conducts background checks on casino license applicants, among other duties.
Acting AG Bill Ryan told the Senate Appropriations Committee it makes sense to move BIE to his department or the State Police, but conceded the switch would take time and cost money. “To me, and this is my opinion, it would best be done from the ground up,” he said. “I honestly don’t know, Senator, if we could just graft what’s there to our office. I see a lot of issues that could be problematical if that was done.”
The Gaming Control Board says the transition would cost 2 million dollars. Sponsor Mike Vereb, a Republican, is skeptical of the estimate. “They are saying that’s because of computer systems and hardware,” he said. “Let it be known that there is no independent assessment of how much this would cost. We’d have to cut bureaucracy out, and one would think that if we couldn’t cut that at least in half, we could eliminate a better part of it.”
Meantime, confirmation hearings for Ryan’s potential successor, Linda Kelly, will likely be held in April. A vote could come in April or May, according to Senate Republican spokesman Erik Arneson. Kelly needs the support of 2/3 of lawmakers to be confirmed.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Department of Health Reaches Out to Problem Gamblers
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board along with the Department of Health, Revenue and Agriculture is sponsoring “Problem Gambling Awareness Week” which aims to reach out to individuals who may not realize they have a gambling problem.
The board wants people to understand that while the public should enjoy the state’s casinos and lottery games, it can be a slippery slope for many gamblers. They believe the worst part for many gamblers is that they don’t realize they have a problem and therefore, don’t seek help, often at the cost of relationships, finances, and personal anguish.
In January the board launched a statewide campaign for a help website and the state's gambling addiction hotline takes calls 24 hours a day according to the Department of Health.
Robin Rothermel, director of the Health Department’s Bureau of Drug and Alcohol Programs, says the counseling service has a financial aspect.
“The majority of these individuals by the time they’re seeking service have destroyed themselves financially,” Rothermel says. “We do a lot of work with credit counselors and financial planning and those types of things to individuals back on their feet as well.”
The department of health has joined in the cause to raise awareness of problem gambling because gambling can be as much of a health issue as excessive drinking or smoking.
“Individuals who smoke gamble at a significantly higher rate than those who don’t. Individuals who are chronic users of alcohol gamble at a significantly higher rate than those who don’t,” Rothermel says. “We know that the public health issues are all intertwined so that why we feel it’s addressed by the health department.”
For those seeking help, the department of health encourages people to call the 24-hour hotline at 1-877-565-2112 or by accessing the new website www.paproblemgambling.com.
The board wants people to understand that while the public should enjoy the state’s casinos and lottery games, it can be a slippery slope for many gamblers. They believe the worst part for many gamblers is that they don’t realize they have a problem and therefore, don’t seek help, often at the cost of relationships, finances, and personal anguish.
In January the board launched a statewide campaign for a help website and the state's gambling addiction hotline takes calls 24 hours a day according to the Department of Health.
Robin Rothermel, director of the Health Department’s Bureau of Drug and Alcohol Programs, says the counseling service has a financial aspect.
“The majority of these individuals by the time they’re seeking service have destroyed themselves financially,” Rothermel says. “We do a lot of work with credit counselors and financial planning and those types of things to individuals back on their feet as well.”
The department of health has joined in the cause to raise awareness of problem gambling because gambling can be as much of a health issue as excessive drinking or smoking.
“Individuals who smoke gamble at a significantly higher rate than those who don’t. Individuals who are chronic users of alcohol gamble at a significantly higher rate than those who don’t,” Rothermel says. “We know that the public health issues are all intertwined so that why we feel it’s addressed by the health department.”
For those seeking help, the department of health encourages people to call the 24-hour hotline at 1-877-565-2112 or by accessing the new website www.paproblemgambling.com.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
AG's Office Would Take Over Gaming Investigations
A bill changing the way casino license applicants are screened has passed the Pennsylvania House 126-72 and is moving to the Senate.
The measure eliminates the Gaming Control Board’s investigative unit, and shifts its responsibilities to the Attorney General’s office.
Many Democrats argued the change would add politics to the investigative process. “Many of my constituents to not believe that the Attorney General’s office is, in fact, nonpartisan or bipartisan,” said Representative Margo Davidson of Delaware County, alluding to the AG’s investigation of petition fraud by Congressman Patrick Meehan’s campaign. Some Democrats have argued the investigation was less than thorough, due to the fact Meehan is Republican.
The bill’s author, Republican Mike Vereb, responded by pointing out Gaming Board members are all appointed by lawmakers or the governor. “We elect our courts, we elect our governor, we elect our Attorney General. The State Police Commissioner is appointed by the governor. At some point, someone who’s elected has a role in making sure these units operate,” he said
The change would cost $2 million, which many Democrats say the state can’t afford. Republican supporters point out the money comes from gambling revenue, and not the state’s general fund, and Majority Leader Mike Turzai of Allegheny County questioned the figure’s validity.
Republican Senator Jane Earll of Erie has said she opposes the shift. She chairs the Senate’s Community, Economic and Recreational Development Committee, which oversees gambling. Turzai insisted he’s confident the bill can still move forward. “We’re going to be prioritizing legislation for both houses to look at, and our relationship with the Senate leadership and their team, I think, is very very good. And I think any proposal gets an opportunity to be heard and voted on by the House is certainly something that everybody will take a look at,” he told reporters.
The measure eliminates the Gaming Control Board’s investigative unit, and shifts its responsibilities to the Attorney General’s office.
Many Democrats argued the change would add politics to the investigative process. “Many of my constituents to not believe that the Attorney General’s office is, in fact, nonpartisan or bipartisan,” said Representative Margo Davidson of Delaware County, alluding to the AG’s investigation of petition fraud by Congressman Patrick Meehan’s campaign. Some Democrats have argued the investigation was less than thorough, due to the fact Meehan is Republican.
The bill’s author, Republican Mike Vereb, responded by pointing out Gaming Board members are all appointed by lawmakers or the governor. “We elect our courts, we elect our governor, we elect our Attorney General. The State Police Commissioner is appointed by the governor. At some point, someone who’s elected has a role in making sure these units operate,” he said
The change would cost $2 million, which many Democrats say the state can’t afford. Republican supporters point out the money comes from gambling revenue, and not the state’s general fund, and Majority Leader Mike Turzai of Allegheny County questioned the figure’s validity.
Republican Senator Jane Earll of Erie has said she opposes the shift. She chairs the Senate’s Community, Economic and Recreational Development Committee, which oversees gambling. Turzai insisted he’s confident the bill can still move forward. “We’re going to be prioritizing legislation for both houses to look at, and our relationship with the Senate leadership and their team, I think, is very very good. And I think any proposal gets an opportunity to be heard and voted on by the House is certainly something that everybody will take a look at,” he told reporters.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Resort License Still Pending
Pennsylvania’s Gaming Control Board still hasn’t decided where to place a new resort casino.
It will take more than a majority vote for the Board to award a license to one of four casino applicants.
All four legislative appointees and at least one of the three board members picked by the governor will need to approve the winner.
Gaming analyst Steve Rittvo of the Innovation Group recently told lawmakers Pennsylvania’s eastern and western casino markets are saturated, and another category two gaming parlor would likely hurt revenue at existing casinos.
But he says another smaller resort casino likely wouldn’t take traffic away from already-operating establishments.
"I mean that’s why you put them in resort facilities. They were capturing tourists that were coming there. The gaming revenues that they would generate probably for the most part are not coming from existing casinos.
Sites in Gettysburg, at Nemacolin Woodlands in Fayette County, the Poconos and outside Harrisburg are vying for the license, which the Gaming Control Board isn’t required to award to anyone.
It will take more than a majority vote for the Board to award a license to one of four casino applicants.
All four legislative appointees and at least one of the three board members picked by the governor will need to approve the winner.
Gaming analyst Steve Rittvo of the Innovation Group recently told lawmakers Pennsylvania’s eastern and western casino markets are saturated, and another category two gaming parlor would likely hurt revenue at existing casinos.
But he says another smaller resort casino likely wouldn’t take traffic away from already-operating establishments.
"I mean that’s why you put them in resort facilities. They were capturing tourists that were coming there. The gaming revenues that they would generate probably for the most part are not coming from existing casinos.
Sites in Gettysburg, at Nemacolin Woodlands in Fayette County, the Poconos and outside Harrisburg are vying for the license, which the Gaming Control Board isn’t required to award to anyone.
Board chair Greg Fajt says an announcement isn’t coming anytime soon.
"We have not yet reached a qualified majority on that. And when we do we’ll tee it up for a decision and make a decision."
"We have not yet reached a qualified majority on that. And when we do we’ll tee it up for a decision and make a decision."
The Board isn’t required to award the license to anyone, and there aren’t any time restrictions on the decision.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Will Gaming License Be Rebid?
The head of Pennsylvania’s Gaming Control Board is warning lawmakers not to move too quickly on passing a law opening up a Philadelphia casino license to a statewide bid.
In December, the Gaming Control Board revoked the license of Philadelphia’s troubled Foxwoods casino, which never got up and running.
Its license is Philadelphia-specific, but the House Gaming Oversight Committee has now taken the first step toward changing the law, so anyone in the state could bid for the license.
During testimony, Board Chair Greg Fajt reminded the committee Foxwoods investors have challenged the revocation in court, and the case might take years to finish.
He warned against re-bidding the license before the matter is resolved.
"Again, who knows what somebody might do. But I think that somebody would have to get a lot of hard thought to spending a million dollars-plus to put together an application for a license that may not exist once this case has wound its way through the courts."
Committee Chair Curt Schroeder, a Chester County Republican, says the bill is a priority, but Republicans won’t rush it through the House.
He’s planning on taking a deliberative process, and holding several more hearings on the issue.
In December, the Gaming Control Board revoked the license of Philadelphia’s troubled Foxwoods casino, which never got up and running.
Its license is Philadelphia-specific, but the House Gaming Oversight Committee has now taken the first step toward changing the law, so anyone in the state could bid for the license.
During testimony, Board Chair Greg Fajt reminded the committee Foxwoods investors have challenged the revocation in court, and the case might take years to finish.
He warned against re-bidding the license before the matter is resolved.
"Again, who knows what somebody might do. But I think that somebody would have to get a lot of hard thought to spending a million dollars-plus to put together an application for a license that may not exist once this case has wound its way through the courts."
Committee Chair Curt Schroeder, a Chester County Republican, says the bill is a priority, but Republicans won’t rush it through the House.
"We’ll let the courts do their thing. We’ll work on it on our end in the legislature. And the timing will work itself out in the end, however that has to be."
He’s planning on taking a deliberative process, and holding several more hearings on the issue.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Court Orders Gaming Board to Let McCord In
Calling it a “win” for government accountability and transparency, Pennsylvania Treasurer Rob McCord praised a Commonwealth Court ruling that the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board’s executive sessions should be open to ex-officio (non-voting) members like the treasurer
The Court ruled the board was wrong to exclude the treasurer and enjoined the board from “taking any action preventing or otherwise inhibiting the [Treasurer] or his designee(s) from attending and participating in all sessions of the Board (public and private)…”
McCord filed a lawsuit in May to force the board to allow him or his designees to attend the closed door meetings...."The court's decision today is clear, the board's actions were unlawful and without justification."
The board and McCord have been battling over this issue for 18 months.
Senior Judge Keith Quigley wrote in the order that the court was “persuaded by the clear wording of the Pennsylvania Race Horse Development and Gaming Act…” and the the Board’s arguments at a hearing January 19, 2011, did not convince it otherwise.
As part of the Commonwealth Court order McCord and his designees must sign a confidentiality agreement and a Code of Ethics Statement.
McCord says the would sign those documents. Earlier, Gaming Board Chair Greg Fajt said McCord was barred from the executive sessions because he had not signed the confidentiality and ethics documents. Fajt also criticized McCord for not attending the public sessions like his predecessors did.
The Court ruled the board was wrong to exclude the treasurer and enjoined the board from “taking any action preventing or otherwise inhibiting the [Treasurer] or his designee(s) from attending and participating in all sessions of the Board (public and private)…”
McCord filed a lawsuit in May to force the board to allow him or his designees to attend the closed door meetings...."The court's decision today is clear, the board's actions were unlawful and without justification."
The board and McCord have been battling over this issue for 18 months.
Senior Judge Keith Quigley wrote in the order that the court was “persuaded by the clear wording of the Pennsylvania Race Horse Development and Gaming Act…” and the the Board’s arguments at a hearing January 19, 2011, did not convince it otherwise.
As part of the Commonwealth Court order McCord and his designees must sign a confidentiality agreement and a Code of Ethics Statement.
McCord says the would sign those documents. Earlier, Gaming Board Chair Greg Fajt said McCord was barred from the executive sessions because he had not signed the confidentiality and ethics documents. Fajt also criticized McCord for not attending the public sessions like his predecessors did.
Monday, January 10, 2011
New Help for Gambling Addicts
Gambling addicts and their families now have a new resource for support. The Pennsylvania Department of Health unveiled a new website designed to provide help to people struggling with compulsive gambling. The site includes resources such as information about local Gamblers' Anonymous meetings, a list of warning signs, frequently asked questions, and information for families.
Robin Rothermel, Director of the Bureau of Drug and Alcohol Programs with the Department of Public Health, says the website is part of an effort to link services who provide help with those that need it. "We felt it was a good time, we had a fairly solid provider network in place. And it was a good time to put some more resources out there, making those resources known and available to individuals."
Rothermel says one of most helpful resources on the site is a ZIP code look-up feature where compulsive gamblers can search for assistance in their area.
Robin Rothermel, Director of the Bureau of Drug and Alcohol Programs with the Department of Public Health, says the website is part of an effort to link services who provide help with those that need it. "We felt it was a good time, we had a fairly solid provider network in place. And it was a good time to put some more resources out there, making those resources known and available to individuals."
Rothermel says one of most helpful resources on the site is a ZIP code look-up feature where compulsive gamblers can search for assistance in their area.
Compulsive gamblers looking to stop can also add their names to the state's Self-Exclusion List. Once on the list gaming facilities in the state must deny a person of all gaming privileges and cannot issue them a player's club membership.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Rendell Goes Off Over Gambling
Outgoing Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell, who is known for his angry outbursts at Capitol reporters in Harrisburg, explodes at CBS reporter Lesley Stahl in a segment recorded for tomorrow night's "60 Minutes." The subject of the piece is gambling and Stahl questions Rendell about gambling addicts......"People are losing money for the state to get its revenue," says Stahl.
Rendell responded..."Those people would lost that money anyway. Don't you understand? You guys don't get that. You're simpletons. You're idiots if you don't get that."
Earlier this week, the governor said gambling revenues reduced property taxes by an average of $200.
The governor told reporter Stahl that the benefits of casino gambling far outweigh the negatives and that the biggest downside is some people are losing their paychecks but "they're not losing their paychecks because Pennsylvania instituted gaming...those people were losing their paychecks in Atlantic City, in Delaware, at the racetracks or in West Virginia."
Rendell, who leaves office January 18, met with Capitol reporters including WDUQ's Scott Detrow and said he plans to teach, write a book, possibly practice law, and maybe be a news commentator.
Rendell responded..."Those people would lost that money anyway. Don't you understand? You guys don't get that. You're simpletons. You're idiots if you don't get that."
Earlier this week, the governor said gambling revenues reduced property taxes by an average of $200.
The governor told reporter Stahl that the benefits of casino gambling far outweigh the negatives and that the biggest downside is some people are losing their paychecks but "they're not losing their paychecks because Pennsylvania instituted gaming...those people were losing their paychecks in Atlantic City, in Delaware, at the racetracks or in West Virginia."
Rendell, who leaves office January 18, met with Capitol reporters including WDUQ's Scott Detrow and said he plans to teach, write a book, possibly practice law, and maybe be a news commentator.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Treasurer at Odds with Gaming Control Board
Pennsylvania Treasurer Rob McCord and the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board have been attributing nefarious motives to each other in their dispute about his right to attend the board’s executive sessions.
Commonwealth Court held in December that the Gaming Act provides that the Treasurer or his designee serves as a non-voting member of the board with the right to attend executive sessions, but McCord says the board is still causing the kind of delays that made him wonder what they’re trying to hide. He says once the state auditor's report came out, he saw that the board did have things to hide: "the conversations were ugly; some decisions, delays and inefficiencies were ugly; and there were secretly negotiated contracts that should not have been agreed to in an executive session."
Greg Fajt, chairman of the Gaming Control Board, says McCord has not been allowed at executive sessions because he won’t sign ethics and confidentiality documents that all the board members have signed and instead of negotiating with the board on a matter that could be resolved easily, McCord would rather hold a press conference and go to court. Fajt says he wonders what McCord is hiding. McCord says he has never refused to sign.
McCord says he has had a designee or staff member at every public board meeting, but Fajt says McCord has only had a representative at about one-third of 34 meetings. Fajt says if McCord were truly interested in the work of the gaming board, he could manage to attend some meetings in person, as did previous treasurers Bob Casey and Barbara Hafer.
The board says no taxpayer money is used in their legal expenses—McCord says the $100,000 legal bill paid by the companies responsible for the board’s administrative fees could fund two full-time jobs at the gaming table.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Rendell: Gaming Helping Racing
As the Rendell Administration prepares to leave office, officials are touting casino gambling as a success, when it comes to boosting the Pennsylvania's horse racing industry.
Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding says 44-thousand racing jobs have been created, since the industry started getting 12 percent of slots revenue in 2006.
He notes Pennsylvania breeding is up 10 percent during a national downward trend, and says the racing benefits trickle down.
"The veterinary care provided, the fees provided, the buildings. And you get that long-term growth of the equine industry that everybody says they wanted. We're beginning to see the results now."
During last year's debate over legalizing table games, racing officials said they were worried poker and blackjack tables would take money away from slot machines, and hurt racing revenue.
But November and October's slot revenue was up from 2009 figures.
The state made 61 million dollars from gaming last month, compared to 56 million in November 2009.
Governor Ed Rendell says that has dramatically increased the purses commonwealth tracks can offer, which, in turn, has boosted Pennsylvania breeding.
"And now Pennsylvania's starting to get horses like Smarty Jones to stand in stud. The industry, with the jobs it produces, is on the road back."
The Agriculture Department says Pennsylvania breeding saw a 10 percent increase this year, when national figures were down.
Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding says 44-thousand racing jobs have been created, since the industry started getting 12 percent of slots revenue in 2006.
He notes Pennsylvania breeding is up 10 percent during a national downward trend, and says the racing benefits trickle down.
"The veterinary care provided, the fees provided, the buildings. And you get that long-term growth of the equine industry that everybody says they wanted. We're beginning to see the results now."
During last year's debate over legalizing table games, racing officials said they were worried poker and blackjack tables would take money away from slot machines, and hurt racing revenue.
But November and October's slot revenue was up from 2009 figures.
The state made 61 million dollars from gaming last month, compared to 56 million in November 2009.
Governor Ed Rendell says that has dramatically increased the purses commonwealth tracks can offer, which, in turn, has boosted Pennsylvania breeding.
"And now Pennsylvania's starting to get horses like Smarty Jones to stand in stud. The industry, with the jobs it produces, is on the road back."
The Agriculture Department says Pennsylvania breeding saw a 10 percent increase this year, when national figures were down.
Monday, December 27, 2010
GOP: Phila. Doesn't Need Another Casino
Top Republicans say they want to amend Pennsylvania's gaming laws, and take the revoked Foxwoods casino license away from Philadelphia.
The incoming head of the House Gaming Oversight Committee says he'll introduce a bill next year reopening the Philadelphia-specific casino license to a statewide bid.
Senate Republican leaders indicate they'd seriously consider the measure, if it passes the lower chamber.
When asked about the movement, Governor Rendell said it's not his call, since he's leaving office - but he said he could buy the argument Philadelphia's gaming market might be oversaturated.
"Bucks County - Parx - Harrah's in Chester, SugarHouse in Philadelphia. And it's likely that the Valley Forge license will be granted. So they might decide Philadelphia's got too much. On the other hand, they might look at the state, take a look and say, where is there part of the state that needs another?"
Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi's spokesman, Erik Arneson, says Republicans would also be open to disbanding the license altogether.
"We have a lot of experience now with casinos in Pennsylvania. And there could be the argument made the casino market in our state is saturated. And Senator Pileggi would be very willing to listen to those kinds of arguments as well."
A measure reopening the Foxwoods license for bid passed a Senate committee this session, but never saw a floor vote.
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