Pennsylvania State Senator Larry Farnese Unveils New Gaming Reform Legislation
“Never again will the people be shut out of the process.”

May 6, 2009 — After repeatedly calling for the Gaming Control Board to open up its meetings to public comment and to make them more accessible, Senator Farnese has introduced a pair of bills that guarantee these provisions - on the very day the Gaming Board finally answered his call. The board held an open meeting in Philadelphia Wednesday, which also allowed public comment.

“Whether you’re for or against casinos, people deserve to have their voices heard. My two bills amend Title 4 of the Gaming Act and guarantee that the people most affected by gaming facilities will never again be shut out of the process,” explained Sen. Farnese.

He pointed to an April hearing the Gaming Control Board held in Harrisburg, where members questioned SugarHouse about new design plans for its slots facility.

“I was very concerned that the board chose to hold the hearing more than 100 miles from the locations of the casinos, making it practically inaccessible to the very people these gaming facilities affect,” said the senator.

Further, after busloads of people traveled from Philadelphia to the hearing in Harrisburg, they were not given an opportunity to speak. Senator Farnese said this is just one example that illustrates the lack of openness and transparency in Gaming Control Board proceedings, which his bills specifically address.

SB858 ensures time will be made available for public comment at the end of each public meeting.

SB857 guarantees that public meetings with opportunities for public comment will take place in the area of a proposed casino, in instances of redesign and re-siting. There is currently language in the Gaming Act which alludes to guidelines for re-siting, but it is not guaranteed.

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