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Bill would restore slots zoning to state gambling regulators

1 min read

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) – State gambling regulators, not municipalities, would oversee zoning for slot-machine parlors in Pennsylvania, under legislation introduced Sunday to restore a provision struck down by the state Supreme Court. Gambling proponents worry that a municipal zoning process would delay the expected $1 billion in property tax cuts statewide that are expected to be financed by a tax on slot-machine revenues.

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board hopes to issue the first license to operate a slots parlor as early as December. The legislation sponsored by Rep. Michael R. Veon, D-Beaver, is expected to be considered in the fall.

Many gambling opponents in the Legislature hailed the Supreme Court decision, and maintain that municipal officials should have control over the impact of the casinos on their communities.

The year-old state law that legalized 61,000 slot machines at 14 racetracks, resorts and other locations gave the board control over zoning issues for the gambling parlors.

But the Supreme Court last month struck down the zoning provision, ruling that the General Assembly unconstitutionally granted those zoning powers without specifying limits.

Veon’s legislation was geared to set limits that would be constitutionally acceptable.

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