No dice: The state knows too little to legalize video poker
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Pennsylvanians have good reason to deal themselves out of Gov. Ed Rendell's sudden bid to legalize video poker in bars, restaurants and private clubs. Let us count the ways.
First, his spokesman said as recently as six weeks ago that the administration "continues to believe it is too soon to think about expanded gaming until all the currently licensed [casino] venues are up and running and there is an opportunity to assess their impact." Now the idea is a major component of the 2009-10 budget proposed by the governor yesterday (we'll have reaction to other specifics tomorrow).
Second, investors who plunked down $50 million for a license to operate one of the 14 casinos may feel double-crossed. For one thing, seven casinos, like Pittsburgh's, have yet to open and already the governor is eager to permit up to five video poker machines at 18,000 establishments with state liquor licenses for gambling that his administration says could yield $550 million a year.
Third, the fact that the newly sanctioned gambling would provide tuition assistance for students at 14 state-owned universities and 14 community colleges -- a worthy objective -- does not sufficiently sugarcoat the possible damage that could be done to problem gamblers or already-legal forms of gambling by machines at every mom 'n' pop tavern that will beckon players to drop by with their paychecks.
Fourth is the Pennsylvania Lottery, which, as the ads remind us, supports programs for older citizens. Lottery officials held their breath when the casinos began to open because no one knew whether the new slots businesses would skim off lottery proceeds. Now, before the lottery can even see the full impact of the casino industry, it will have to face a more pervasive, corner-store level of competition.
Are there other reasons to throw in the state's hand on this idea? Could very well be. That's why lawmakers should resist this gamble until a better case is made.
First Published February 5, 2009 12:00 am
