Here's a story in the Pittsburgh Post Gazette that legislation in the Pennsylvania house would allow table games and slots as a way of raising revenue to support state programs. Such measures have always failed in the past, but the state's severe budget crunch -- a projected deficit of $3.2 billion this year -- has generated renewed interest in the possibility of expanded gaming.
With so many states in such dire need, this could be a trend around the country and that could mean trouble for Indian casinos in the form of more competition.
Actually 8 of the 14 approved licenses have already opened properties and are in their second year of operation. For their fiscal year ending June 30th, $21 Billion+ will have been wagered this year with $19 Billion+ paid back to guests. Over $800 million going to local and state coffers with part of it going back to senior citizens for property tax relief.
ReplyDeleteThe current issue in PA is if they are going to allow table games operations to proceed. This is in response to West Virginia adding table games in response to PA gaining slots two years ago.
Joe Martin