Lobbyists made big money in PA

September 15

In Pennsylvania,  a rather large group of lobbyists that depict over 30 businesses and people were paid an estimated $575,000 during an approximate 90 day period to help create and construct the final draft the new Pennsylvania slot machine law.

The horse industry has come out shinning by gaining the most favorable changes. The bill that was passed July 4 creates a rather high minimum number of days that new tracks are allowed to have races. In particular, it allows the owner of Pocono Downs to benefit from slots at two of his tracks. It also allows millions of dollars for capital improvements on top of the money the tracks can make from their gambling revenue.

Once the slots are operational, the state is predicting to create around $3 billion a year in revenue. It is reported that  33% of the proceeds will be used to bring local property tax rates down. With 9% delegated for horse tracks and an additional 9% will benefit various public projects and the local areas that the new gaming establishments are located. The rest of the money will go to the tracks and casinos themselves.

The General Assembly voted in favor of up to 61,000 slot machines. The total amount to be dispersed throughout seven racetracks, five independent establishments and two resorts. This is clearly stated in  a 145 page bill that bypassed many of the more typical processes legislation is currently created.