Online gambling legislation in the state of Pennsylvania has been making the headlines for quite some time. Several bills have already been introduced to Pennsylvania gambling authorities and it seems like the legislation of casino games is among state’s top priorities.
The question as to whether online poker to be legalized or not was a subject to heated discussions but meanwhile, debates related to the utilization of funds generated through gambling activities in Montgomery County have been started.
That is why the Chair of the House Gaming Oversight Committee, Marcy Toepel, announced that she would like to host a hearing during which the so called House Bill 565 will be further reviewed and all benefits and setbacks, related to it will be discussed.
Once all details are ironed out it will become clear whether the revenue generated by Valley Forge Resort and Casino will be set aside for various projects aimed at keeping the parks in the county in decent condition. Nonprofit organizations will also be granted certain funds.
By the end of 2014, it became obvious that the current year will be critically important and major gambling-related decisions are to be made.
Back in January, Ms. Toepel revealed that she was intending to introduce her bill anytime soon. For the time being, the Pennsylvania Gaming Act allows as much as 2% of the gross terminal revenue to be set aside for the host country and another 2% for the host municipality.
As for the revenues generated through table games, municipalities and counties receive as little as 1% of it.
The local share of Montgomery County generated via casino games is usually transferred to the account of the Commonwealth Financing Authority. Then, the funds are distributed for helping various projects that ensure the well-being of the region.
What Ms. Toepel proposes is the following: parks and heritage places, located on the territory of the county to get 75% of the raised funds. Mission Kids and Laurel House are supposed to receive 12,5% each.
During the hearing, which is scheduled to take place on Thursday, at 9:30 Executive Director of Mission Kids, Abbie Newman, as well as Executive Director of Laurel House are expected to take part in the discussions. Vice Chair of Montgomery County Board of Commissioners, Valerie Arkoosh, will also be among the attendees.
