5 years later, they're still trying to fix gambling bill

Five years after Gov. Ed Rendell signed the bill bringing slot parlors to Pennsylvania, lawmakers are still trying to fix all the problems with the flawed bill that was rushed through the Legislature under cover of darkness.

So why is the Legislature even considering Rendell's plan to legalize video poker machines? If the state can't enforce the current law, why expand gambling?

A bipartisan group of state Senators has unveiled a "gaming reform package" to provide stricter oversight and greater accountability. Shouldn't that have been included in the original bill?

From a press release issued by state Sen. Rob Wonderling:

Stressing that Pennsylvania needs to take the lead now to more tightly regulate the gaming industry and provide greater accountability and transparency, a bipartisan group of Senators today unveiled a wide-ranging package of reform bills.

“Gaming is here to stay in Pennsylvania, so it is incumbent upon us as public officials to ensure that the industry is strongly regulated and free of criminal activity and conflicts of interest,” said Senator Wonderling.

Senator Wonderling’s bill, Senate Bill 734, would provide gamblers who participate in a total rewards program offered at casinos with a monthly statement of their winnings and losses. Casinos use the total rewards program to track the amount of money and time gamblers spend in order to determine the value of complimentary services they provide to their patrons.

"Often times, individuals who regularly gamble may not be aware of the amount of money they are losing each month. A monthly statement may serve as a wake-up call to possible gambling addicts and their families that their losses may lead to financial ruin," said Wonderling. "It is my hope that these statements will allow those who are addicted to gambling to get help before it is too late."

Among the measures are bills to more tightly regulate the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, protect against conflicts of interest, and prevent criminals from obtaining gaming licenses. Other measures would put the State Police or Attorney General in charge of licensing investigations, rather than the Gaming Board, and establish tighter financial suitability rules for license applicants. The bills would also require detailed audits and crack down on transportation costs.