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Sen. Orie, Rep. Turzai to Push for Legislation to Eliminate
Middlemen in Slot Machine Purchasing
Senator Jane
Orie (R-Allegheny) and Representative Mike Turzai
(R-Allegheny) have introduced legislation in the Senate and
House to eliminate a provision in the 2004 gaming law that
requires Pennsylvania casinos to use "middlemen" to purchase
slot machines from manufacturers.
The
legislators said the use of such middlemen is unnecessary,
does not benefit the commonwealth, and will simply ensure
that politically well-connected individuals profit from the
state's new gambling law. Both Orie and Turzai strongly
opposed the gambling law and have been supporters of
gambling reforms.
"No other
state that has legalized casino gambling requires casinos to
use a middleman to buy slot machines from manufacturers,"
said Orie "It is very simply a way for those with influence
to buy their way into the process."
"This
legislation is another attempt to stop influence-peddling in
a process that I believe is ripe for such behavior," Turzai
added. "There is no need for middlemen in the gaming
process. Our bill attempts to bring a commonsense reform
and eliminate a provision that appears to curry special
interest."
Earlier this
spring an amendment to eliminate the slot machine middlemen
was originally approved by the House by a vote of 102‑96.
Shortly thereafter, the House reversed itself and the
amendment was defeated by a vote of 111‑89.
According to
the Pittsburgh Post‑Gazette, the Gaming Control Board has a
goal of issuing up to 23 licenses for slot machine suppliers
by June 15.
CONTACT: CAROL
MARAVIC (717) 787-6725
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