Pennsylvania: Shift seen on casino oversight

Shift seen on casino oversight


HARRISBURG - The likely chairman of a House oversight committee wants to delay awarding Pennsylvania's resort casino license, suggesting a new assertiveness on casino issues by the legislative branch in the next session.

The state Gaming Control Board has scheduled Jan. 6 as the date for voting on four applicants for the remaining license for a resort casino that can have up to 600 slot machines and 50 table games.

But Rep. Curt Schroder, R-155, Exton, expected to take the reins of the Gaming Oversight Committee, has called on the gaming board to postpone the license award since terms expire next month for four members of the seven-member gaming board.

"An award made 'on the way out the door' and left entirely to subsequent appointees to implement does not serve the public interest," wrote Mr. Schroder. "Waiting an additional month or two until new members are appointed and educated on each applicants will ensure confidence that the Board is making the best decision."

Mr. Schroder said Monday he has the same qualms about lame-duck lawmakers voting on bills.

Mr. Schroder served as ranking Republican on the gaming oversight panel during the previous legislative session. Now as a majority party chairman, he would wield power over what bills are voted on and the scheduling of public hearings on gambling issues.

Mr. Schroder is among a group of GOP lawmakers who have been critical of the gaming board dating back to the controversy over the handling of investigative information prior to the 2006 award of the Mount Airy Casino Resort license to Dunmore businessman Louis DeNaples.