Committee Backs Senator Pippy's Gambling Bill
Legislation Banning Ownership in Gaming Venues Set For Tuesday Vote

Legislation introduced by Senator John Pippy (R-37th) to ban elected and appointed state, local and party officials from holding any financial interest in gaming venues across the Commonwealth is headed for a Tuesday vote in the Senate after being reported out of the State Government Committee today.

Senate Bill 1209 is co-sponsored by all 29 Republican senators and seven Democrats and it received unanimous support from the Committee.

Senator Pippy's bill would bar any financial interest by state officials in gaming venues, their holding companies, affiliates or associated businesses. It would also ban having a financial interest in those entities that manufacture or supply these gaming venues.

Speaking prior to the Committee vote, Senator Pippy said the plan is to build a consensus behind SB1209 as a vehicle to ensure ethical and professional standards are in place to guide gaming in Pennsylvania.

"This is not an attempt to retract the gaming legislation," Senator Pippy said. "With this legislation, we will address the concerns that have been raised by the public."

Senate President Pro Tempore Robert C. Jubelirer told the Committee that the plan is now for members to consider amendments on Monday and to hold a floor vote on the bill on Tuesday.

He added that the General Assembly could not simply make a rule change to ban ownership. "We are going to hammer out an agreement on language to fix the six or seven major areas of public concern about the gaming bill," Senator Jubelirer said.

Committee Chairman Charles Lemmond supported eliminating the one percent ownership threshold.

"No other section of the gaming act has served as such a lightning rod for public comment," Senator Lemmond said.

Contact: Matt Campion 412.262.2260

Committee Backs Senator Pippy's Gambling Bill Legislation Banning Ownership in Gaming Venues Set For Tuesday Vote

Committee Backs Senator Pippy's Gambling Bill
Legislation Banning Ownership in Gaming Venues Set For Tuesday Vote