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04/18/2024 07:34 AM
Pennsylvania State Senate
https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?chamber=S&SPick=20170&cosponId=23801
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Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2017 - 2018 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted: May 2, 2017 04:25 PM
From: Senator Lawrence M. Farnese, Jr.
To: All Senate members
Subject: Gaming Revenue Alternative for FY16-17
 
In the near future, I plan to introduce legislation that provides for an alternative method to fill the $100M gaming revenue assumption from the FY 16-17 General Fund budget.

First, my legislation would impose an assessment of $5,000 on each slot machine in play as of February 28, 2017. This assessment would be limited to 25% of the total slot machines authorized for play under Title 4, which would equal 1,250 machines for Categories 1 and 2 casinos and 150 machines for Category 3 casinos. This assessment would generate about $64 Million.

As consideration for this slot machine assessment, my legislation would also provide that the assessment would be returned in full to each casino, if any of the following occur:
  • During the five-year period beginning on July 1, 2017 and ending June 30, 2022, Section 1201 (relating to Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board established), 1202 (relating to general and specific powers) or 1307 (relating to number of slot machine licenses) is amended or otherwise altered by an act of the General Assembly to change:
    • the composition of the board;
    • the number or voting powers of members of the board;
    • the manner in which members are nominated or appointed to the board;
    • the length of term for which each member serves;
    • the general jurisdiction of the board in a manner that impairs or otherwise reduces the board's licensing authority; or
    • the statutory maximum number of permissible Category 1, Category 2 or Category 3 licensed facilities.
  • Prior to January 1, 2019, the Commonwealth enacts legislation authorizing the use of video gaming terminals in establishments licensed to sell liquor or malt or brewed beverages.
  • During the five-year period beginning on July 1, 2017 and ending June 30, 2022, the Board issues any Category 1 or Category 3 slot machine license authorized but not issued prior to the effective date of this act.

Second, my legislation would accelerate repayment of the loan currently being repaid by casinos under the Fiscal Code. The loan would be paid in full by June 30, 2016, which would generate $30.2 million.

Third, my proposal would authorize the PGCB to waive the patron of amenities requirement for Category 3 casinos for a fee of $1.5 million per casino.

Finally, my legislation would suspend the PGCB’s law enforcement grant program for FY 16-17, generating $2 million.

Please join me in co-sponsoring this legislation. If you have any questions, please contact Sally Keaveney at (717) 787-5662.