Requiring the winner of the state license for a Pittsburgh slots casino to dedicate a portion of his take to help build a new arena is an idea worth considering, Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato says.

But Onorato stressed he isn't ready just yet to embrace the proposal, advanced last week by Mayor Tom Murphy. Onorato said before he commits he first wants to see what other ideas competitors for the license might have for returning a portion of the slots revenues to the community.

"I'm not ruling it out, but I'm not prepared to embrace it," Onorato said of Murphy's idea. "Until I see what else is out there, I'm not going to corner myself with any one proposal this early. I'm leaving all options open."

The Penguins intend to pursue the one license available for a standalone slots casino in Pittsburgh and to use the revenue to build a new hockey arena. They are expected to be among several bidders for the single license. Others expected to compete are Station Square owner Forest City Enterprises and Alco Parking Corp. President Merrill Stabile.

In an interview last week, Murphy said he would like to see the winning bidder dedicate a portion of its slots revenue to help build a new arena, whether it's the Penguins, Forest City, Stabile or someone else.

He said he believes that's justified, given what an important public facility an arena is. He said Mellon Arena, which opened in 1961, is nearing the end of its useful life.

Onorato said the county has no money for a new arena, so dedicating a portion of the slots revenue for that purpose is an idea worth exploring. But he said he also wants to hear other proposals for returning revenues to the community.

"I will consider this one, but I want to see what else is on the table before I embrace one. We don't even know what the offers look like from the people who want the license," he said.

Neither Onorato nor Murphy will have a vote in who ultimately gets the license for the casino. That decision rests with the seven-member state Gaming Control Board.

However, Christopher Craig, an aide to state Sen. Vincent Fumo, D-Philadelphia, who was instrumental in drafting the slots gambling law, said the views of political leaders like Onorato and Murphy and the desires of the community as a whole will carry considerable weight with the board.

The Penguins have reacted favorably to Murphy's idea, and Stabile has said it is worthy of "serious consideration." Al Ratner, Forest City board co-chair, has declined comment.