Pennsylvania Gaming Expansion Push Comes Sponsored by Amish County Rep

Pennsylvania s General Assembly approved a budget last year that assumed $100 million in additional revenue from new gaming. But the state hasn t decided on where specifically that money is going to come from, hence the continued gambling discussions in Harrisburg.

Mustio and Sturla s bill would mandate that the state receive 29 percent of daily gross terminal revenue generated by VGTs.

Pennsylvania is presently home to 12 land-based commercial casinos, with a 13th . But aside from Penn National Gaming, which owns Hollywood Casino near Harrisburg, the gaming operators largely oppose HB 1010.

While Penn National has embraced VGTs in other states where it operates, most notably Illinois, the state s 11 other casinos believe the measure would poach from their gaming floors. Mustio says the state isn t responsible for safeguarding the casinos.

Some have said over the years that we re partners with the casinos, Mustio explained this week. I personally disagree with that. In my opinion, we re partners with our constituents.

The Pennsylvania House Gaming Oversight hasn t announced when its next meeting might be, and whether a vote on HB 1010 would be on the agenda.