Pocono News Section

Lawmakers Discuss Adding Table Games to Help Budget Crisis

Lawmakers Discuss Adding Table Games to Help Budget Crisis - Wednesday, September 16, 2009 at 6:05PM EST

Reported by: Mark Hiller
Wednesday, Sep 16, 2009 @ 06:05pm EDT
PLAINS TWP., LUZERNE COUNTY -- As the wait continues for a spending plan in Harrisburg, some legislators are stepping in with solutions. Both the house and senate are trying to bring blackjack, poker and craps to the state's slots parlors.

Lawmakers are gambling that table games could solve state budget problems. State Senator Bob Mellow said, "It's going to mean a tremendous amount to us."

Senator Bob Mellow is betting that legislation he co-introduced could solve some of the state's fiscal budget shortfall.

A senate committee held a hearing Wednesday morning exploring why table games good be the economic boost Pennsylvania needs. "It's going to make us competitive in the casino industry because of given the full menu of devices including table games,Ó said Mellow.

Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs President Bobby Soper said, "It's one of the few options if not the only one that's going to create thousands of jobs, over 10,000 jobs."

Mohegan Sun was represented at that fact-finding hearing. "I think it went very well and I think all those questions were answered to their liking," said Soper.

The prospect of expanding forms of gambling at casinos would likely attract many more tourists -- and many regulars say table games would make them want to return more often. Don Powaltz of Liberty, NY said, "Oh that would be a definite plus, sure. Definitely love the table games, poker, blackjack, live games instead of this video."

Some state lawmakers say by allowing table games at Pennsylvania Casinos such as Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs, it would increase state budget revenues by $200-million. But critics say that would come with a price.

Some opponents to table games say it will only add to the lives they've seen gambling ruin. Krysten Robbins of Wilkes-Barre said, "People were blowing their money, people were losing their jobs, spending time at the casino. I actually know somebody personally who became homeless because of a gambling addiction."

If table games are allowed it will have long-term implications, both good and bad, in a state desperate for a financial fix.

The President of Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs says 80% of Pennsylvanians would support the addition of table games. He also says the gambling industry tries to help the small percentage of individuals with a gambling addiction.