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For Immediate Release
July 2, 2004
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White Votes No on Gambling Expansion in Pennsylvania

Harrisburg – State Senator Mary Jo White (R-21) today voted against legislation authorizing slot machines at racetracks and stand-alone venues.  Despite Senator White's no vote, House Bill 2330 passed the Senate by a vote of 30 - 20. 

Under the amendment adopted by the Senate, up to 61,000 slot machines will be placed at 14 venues across the Commonwealth.  A new Gaming Control Board will be established to review applications, grant licenses and oversee gambling operations.  Proponents have touted the measure as a means to save the horse racing industry while reducing schools' dependence on property taxes.  Opponents have derided the effort to expand gambling as both ill-conceived and irresponsible.

"Make no mistake. Today's action makes billionaires out of millionaires.  It was sold to Pennsylvanians under the false promise of providing meaningful property tax relief to homeowners," said White.  "This is not about tax relief – it's about directing money to a select few".

Under this legislation, Pennsylvania will have more slot machines than any other state except Nevada.  Gambling advocates claim the state will realize $1 billion annually in property tax relief, an assertion many view as unrealistic.  Residents should not anticipate their tax bills to go down for approximately three years; the average reduction statewide is expected to be about $324 per household.  Based on these projections, slot parlor owners will pocket upwards of $1.5 billion annually in profits.

During lengthy floor debate, which began Thursday evening and stretched into early Friday morning, Senator White offered several amendments to the legislation.  Each amendment failed, as gambling proponents were unwilling to alter any provisions of the agreement they struck with Governor Rendell and House leaders.

Among the key provisions of Senator White's amendments rejected by the Senate:

• expanding disclosure requirements and vested interest limitations on members of the Gaming Control Board
• reinstating a state law, sponsored by Senator White in 2003, that prohibits slot facilities from furnishing free or below-cost alcohol to patrons
• subjecting slot facilities to the same requirements concerning minors as other liquor license establishments
• requiring Gaming Control Board members and employees to adhere to the Governor's Code of Conduct

"I am extremely disappointed that the Senate failed to adopt any of these common-sense changes.  They simply would have made a bad bill a little bit better," White said.

"There is an old Chinese proverb that says if you would ride a tiger, you had better have a good plan for getting off," said White.  "Pennsylvania is now riding the gambling tiger and there is no getting off.  It won't be long before the gambling interests will be back for even more.  This is a sad day in our Commonwealth's history."

House Bill 2330, as amended, now goes to the House of Representatives, which is expected to take up the measure later today.

CONTACT: Leigh Ramsey (717) 787-9684