OFFICIALS SHOULD NOT HAVE FINANCIAL INTEREST IN GAMING

HARRISBURG, OCT. 7 – During a legislative debate that continued until late Wednesday evening, state Sen. Connie Williams voted to ensure the people who control and regulate the gaming industry would have no financial interest in it.

“I never had, nor did I ever plan, to hold any interest in the new gaming industry, but I also believed that Pennsylvanians deserved the added protection of limiting any ownership, which is why I co-sponsored this legislative initiative from the beginning and why I wanted to make sure it was taken up by the Senate as soon as we returned in the fall,” Williams said.

Senate members voted 49-1 in favor of legislation (S.B. 1209) that would remove a provision that allowed public officials to own up to 1 percent of a slots license, and would set penalties for state lawmakers, local government and party officials who have a financial interest.

Additionally, the bill would require members of the Gaming Board at the time of appointment and annually thereafter to disclose any financial interest, property, leasehold or any beneficial interest in any licensee held by a member of their immediate family. The legislation would also give the attorney general more industry oversight and would require licensed gaming facilities to comply with zoning in all municipalities except Philadelphia.

“The original bill had a number of built-in protections against corruption. In fact, the current law – without the changes we passed Wednesday -- applies a more stringent standard to ownership interest in slot operations than any other line of business,” Williams said. “Still, it is important that the state implement the gaming industry in a way that safeguards the public’s interest.”

The legislation now goes to the House. Williams said she is going to encourage her colleagues in the House to take up and pass Senate Bill 1209.