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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 5, 2010

Senate Weekly Session Wrap

Important Harrisburg Happenings:

Senate Approves Conference Committee Report on Table Games

The Senate adopted a joint Senate-House Conference Committee report on Senate Bill 711 on Tuesday (January 5, 2010) that would allow for table games in Pennsylvania casinos. The vote on concurrence was 28-22 with Senator Pat Browne (R-16) voting in favor of adopting the report.

The Conference Committee report on Senate Bill 711 would create a Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board review process for existing slot licensees that want to apply for a table game operation certificate.  Licensees would also be required to demonstrate the number of jobs that will be created and the economic benefit to the Commonwealth, its political subdivisions and its residents.

Under the bill, each eligible Category 1 (racetracks) and Category 2 (standalone casinos) licensee would pay a fee of $16.5 million for a table game certificate.  In addition, an annual table game tax of 16 percent would be imposed, which would be deposited into the General Fund.  Each table game operator would also be required to pay a local share of 2 percent of the gross table game revenue to their local community annually. Furthermore, Category 3 (resorts) would pay a one-time fee of $7.5 million.

All casinos will pay a 16 percent tax, with 14 percentage points of that revenue for the state and two points going to local organizations or governments until June 2011. After June 2011, the rate will decrease to 14 percent, with 12 going to the state and another two to municipal and county governments.

The Conference Committee report increases the application fee after June 1, 2010 to $24.75 million for the Category 1 and 2 casinos and $11.25 million for resorts,

The Conference Committee report also contains a number of gaming reform measures:

• limiting outside employment for Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board members to 15 percent of their gross annual salary;
• requiring the Pennsylvania State Police to conduct background checks for senior Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board officials;
• banning Gaming Control Board employees from employment in the industry for two years after they leave the board as of July 1, 2010;
• requiring the board to provide information on the Internet regarding applications, including the names of owners.

A recent Franklin and Marshall College poll found statewide support, 63 percent to 32 percent with five percent undecided, for allowing the state’s casinos to offer blackjack, roulette, craps and other table games.  That number climbed even higher when those surveyed heard about the number of jobs the proposal would create.  

Senator Scarnati Reappointed to Serve as President Pro Tempore

Prior to the vote on the Conference Committee report on Senate Bill 711, Senator Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson) was sworn in to serve his fourth year as Senate President Pro Tempore. Senator Scarnati was unanimously elected to the post by his Senate colleagues and sworn in by Commonwealth Court Judge Johnny J. Butler.

As President Pro Tempore, Senator Scarnati is responsible for appointing the chairpersons and members of the standing committees of the Senate.  He presides over the Senate during session and plays a significant role in negotiations with the Administration and House of Representatives.

Senator Scarnati will also continue to serve as Pennsylvania’s Lieutenant Governor.  He will fill out the remainder of the late Lieutenant Governor Catherine Baker Knoll's term, which ends January 18, 2011.  Pennsylvania's Constitution requires him to hold both, Lieutenant Governor and President Pro Tempore, positions simultaneously.

Contact:

Matt Moyer
(610) 366-2327