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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2015 - 2016
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | February 17, 2015 10:02 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Paul Costa |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Video Gaming |
I plan to introduce legislation in the next few weeks that would legalize operator based video gaming terminals in Pennsylvania’s taverns, clubs and hotels. This legislation is based on a recent law legalizing these terminals in Illinois where it has been an overwhelming success. Based on the Illinois results, and its similarity to our own demographics, we estimate that total revenues could reach $1.4 billion dollars annually with the state’s share being almost $500 million dollars within two years. These terminals would replace the tens of thousands of illegal, untaxed and unregulated video poker machines that are currently in use throughout the state. These new legal machines would be owned and maintained by private Pennsylvania companies. Each tavern or club would be permitted a maximum of 5 terminals and the terminals would be wired to a central computer to assure absolute accountability. The overall operations would be under the direct control and supervision of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board. Every manufacturer, distributor and owner operator would need to undergo strict and comprehensive background checks to insure that only competent companies and owners would be permitted to operate in the Commonwealth. This bill would create thousands of new jobs in the hospitality and vending industry through increased employment of highly trained technicians, drivers, and bartenders and wait staff. I encourage you to support this legislation which will increase local revenues through a share of the licensing fees, additional jobs and payroll. |
Introduced as HB808