The state Gaming Control Board may break the logjam today on how slot machine distributors will be licensed in Pennsylvania.

The seven board members, who have been unable to decide whether the state should allow potential distributors to operate on a statewide basis or divide the state into regions, are expected today to allow the process to move forward without making that choice.

Gov. Ed Rendell, in a meeting with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette editorial board Friday, said he had "insider information" that the issue "will be resolved."

And state House Minority Leader H. William DeWeese, D-Waynesburg, whose nominee to the board has been the one insisting on two regions rather than one statewide distributorship, said he was "hopeful" a resolution would come today.

Mr. DeWeese said the likely scenario would be for the gaming board to continue to seek applications from anyone interested in distributorships. The period for applying for distributor licenses will close on Feb. 28.

Then, depending on how many responses it receives, the board would make the decision of whether to have statewide or regional distributorships.

For example, if 10 potential distributors apply, the board might divide the state into two or more regions and allow distributors to operate only in certain areas. If only a few apply, they may be authorized to operate anywhere in the state. If no one applies, Mr. DeWeese said, the state could allow casino operators to deal directly with manufacturers as they do in New Jersey and other states.

Mr. DeWeese appointed former state Rep. Jeffrey Coy, D-Shippensburg, to the gaming board. Mr. Coy has been insisting on two regions for distributors instead of one statewide operation.

Mr. DeWeese said the Legislature's goal in requiring in-state distributors was to use gaming to create more jobs and businesses by launching a new industry. By seeking proposals from across the state, he said the gaming board will be able to determine if that was "too optimistic."

Nick Hays, spokesman for the gaming board, said the only issue on the board's agenda today was discussion of an ethics policy for board members. But gaming board members could bring up other issues, he said.

One local group interested in distributing slot machines is New Century Entertainment, formed by former Allegheny County Chief Executive Jim Roddey; George Miles, WQED Multimedia president; and Doris Carson Williams, head of the African-American Chamber of Commerce of Western Pennsylvania.

That group would have more than 25 percent minority ownership and use 50 percent of its profits to support groups in the minority community -- 20 percent to a half-dozen specific organizations such as the African-American Cultural Center and 30 percent doled out by the individual partners to favored groups.

One goal of the gaming legislation, according to House Democrats, has been to extend business opportunities for firms owned by minorities and women.

Mr. Roddey said his group is "anxiously awaiting" a decision on how distributorships will be awarded.