Senator Larry Farnese Unveils Bipartisan Gaming Reform Legislation
Legislation would make sweeping changes to Gaming Control Board operations

April 22, 2009 - At a news conference at the State Capitol Wednesday, Senator Larry Farnese and a bipartisan group of lawmakers announced a package of bills aimed at reforming the way the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board does business. Senator Farnese, along with Republican Senators Jane Orie (R-40th) and John Rafferty (R-44th) spearheaded the legislation.

"The Gaming Control Board has to change the way it operates and awards casino licenses,” said Sen. Farnese.

Among many changes, Senate Bill 805 would ban board members from outside full-time employment and prohibit members from working in the gaming industry for two years after they’ve left the gaming board.

“We need to stop the revolving door of people moving back and forth between positions of public trust and working for gaming interests,” he said.

SB 805 would also remove the process of direct appeals to the Supreme Court.

Another pair of bills, SB 806 and SB 807, would ban felons from operating gaming facilities and allow expunged criminal records to be considered in the licensing process.

“Obtaining a gaming license is a privilege, not a right,” Farnese said, adding, “Pennsylvania should have the highest standards when it comes to awarding these licenses.”

Earlier this year, information surfaced that a top official for the proposed Foxwoods casino in Center City was a convicted drug dealer whose records had been expunged. The Gaming Board did not consider the conviction when awarding the license.

Farnese also announced additional legislation that would guarantee the public’s right to be heard and give testimony during the application or re-siting process.

“Public input on casinos should be guaranteed in the process, not optional,” said Farnese. “These bills make clear what Gaming Control Board members can and cannot do. They also create a more open, transparent process moving forward, allowing residents of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to finally have their voices heard,” he added.

A full summary of the bills here.

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