A nonbinding resolution to have the city of Pittsburgh apply for a license to operate a slots casino received final approval from City Council yesterday.

The proposal urges Mayor Tom Murphy to submit a casino proposal to the state Gaming Control Board, which will award one license for a slots facility within the city limits. Murphy has expressed skepticism about the idea.

The city would contract out operation of the casino, council President Gene Ricciardi said. It could reap a bigger part of the casino's profits than the $17.7 million in taxes it is expected to receive annually by 2008.

"Why allow one family, or a number of families, to make millions on a casino?" said Ricciardi, the proposal's author. He would dedicate slots earnings to eliminating property taxes, paying down city debt, building an arena and revamping roads.

The only no vote came from Councilman Sala Udin. "Gambling is not an essential public function," he said.

Councilwoman Twanda Carlisle abstained.

The Murphy administration said it was examining the legality of a city slots license bid. Would-be casino owners have until Dec. 28 to apply for licenses.