Report: Tentative Deal Struck on Pennsylvania Slots

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Pennsylvania legislators reportedly have struck a tentative deal on slot machines in the state, but the proposal still has a long way to go.

The Philadelphia Daily News reported May 20 that slots parlors would be placed at up to 15 locations: Four existing racetracks; two licensed-but-not-built racetracks; one or two non-licensed tracks; four or five non-track facilities, including two in Philadelphia and one in Pittsburgh; and two in resort areas, one of which would be the Pocono Mountains.

The Daily News reported the proposal calls for a seven-member gaming board, $50-million license fees, and a commitment to put the state's share of revenue--34%--toward property-tax relief.

Sen. Robert Tomlinson, whose district includes Philadelphia Park in Bucks County, told the newspaper: "I'd say we're 70 to 75 percent there."

Gov. Ed Rendell, a slots proponent and supporter of the horse racing industry, said through a spokesperson he is "cautiously optimistic," the Daily News reported.

Along with Philly Park, the other operating tracks are Penn National Race Course, The Meadows, and The Downs at Pocono. Tracks have been licensed for Chester and Erie.

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