Pennsylvania and a Poker Table

Recently Pennsylvania approved a number of slots parlors requesting to operate with in the state. Many have started business, however some are still in the final stages of preparation. Even knowing that not all of the slots parlors are operational, Pennsylvania Democratic House Majority Leader Bill DeWeese is already discussing a table games bill, that will open the door for the parlors to offer poker, and other casino table games.

Passing the bill thought the legislation process in Pennsylvania right now, it is likely the bill will be shot down or forgotten as soon as it is proposed. November 2006 saw the slots parlors bill passed, with a 34% tax on the total revenue, and currently there are 14 authorized parlors in the state.

Recently in the boarder state of West Virginia, a state with several slots parlors and racetrack, approved table games in two of the four counties that currently have gaming related businesses. Both boarder states with out table games, such as Pennsylvania and Ohio. There is continued debate in at least one county where the bill passed, with a narrow margin.

In West Virginia, the local poker gaming owners started the legislative process to approve the table games arguing that in order to remain competitive with Pennsylvania, the table games were the next step. This summer saw those years of efforts come to fruition.

This shows the prudent thought process of gaming proponent Bill DeWeese in discussing the measure to add it to Pennsylvania's currently authorized establishments. It may be years before the vote is brought to the floor of their House and Senate to be sent to the Governor for law enactment. Until then, the discussion, and planning will be the keystone to having the table games as part of the Pennsylvania gaming activities.