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For Immediate Release
September 16, 2009
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Sen. Tomlinson - Bill to Allow Table Games in Casinos Would
Help Pennsylvania to Gain New Jobs, Revenue
(Harrisburg) - Table games in casinos would be an economic boon to the
Commonwealth at a time when Pennsylvania desperately needs more jobs and
revenue, Senator Tommy Tomlinson (R-Bucks) told a Senate committee today.
Senator Tomlinson testified before the Senate Community, Economic and
Recreational Development Committee on
Senate Bill 1033, his legislation to allow table games at the 10 existing
licensed slot machine venues. Tomlinson previously testified before the House
Gaming Oversight Committee on the issue in August.
"Given the current budget crisis that we face, the worst economic downturn in
decades and a shaky job climate – there is no better time for Pennsylvania to
add table games to our casinos," Tomlinson said. "Table games in casinos could
be a reliable recurring revenue source to the state and provide more jobs. Slots
revenues are helping us to lower property taxes throughout the Commonwealth. The
addition of table games could bring in money to the General Fund to help fund
needed state programs and services."
Tomlinson told the committee that Senate Bill 1033 focuses on three major
points: enhanced revenue from gaming, job development, and regulatory oversight.
Tomlinson, whose district includes the Philadelphia Park Casino in Bensalem,
Bucks County, has proposed taxing table games at a rate of 12 percent after
payment of an additional $10 million licensing fee, which would encourage
economic growth in communities surrounding the present gaming facilities.
Tomlinson acknowledged that authorization of table games is anticipated to
create over 10,000 direct jobs statewide.
The Senator noted that by adding table games to existing slot locations
around the state, revenues could exceed over $100 million in one-time licensing
fees and an estimated $104 to $160 million in recurring revenues dependent on
the number of table games at each casino. It's anticipated, that the addition of
table games would increase slot revenues by more than $60 million annually,
providing an additional three percent for local property tax relief.
Pennsylvanians overwhelmingly favor the idea of keeping entertainment dollars
in the Commonwealth rather than having them spent in New Jersey, West Virginia
and Delaware. In a recent poll, 61 percent of Pennsylvanians polled support
legislation that would add table games to existing casinos. That approval
rating increases to 71 percent when respondents were informed of new job
creation, he noted.
"Our slots casinos have helped our economy and provided a good revenue source
for property tax relief and we've learned as we have gone through the process
and made the current law better," Tomlinson said. "Let's build on this
success by allowing table games in these casinos."
Contact: Fran Cleaver
(717) 787-5072 |
