Senate Co-Sponsorship Memoranda

NEW!

Subscribe to receive notifications of new Co-Sponsorship Memos circulated

By Member | By Date | Keyword Search

Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2015 - 2016 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted:	March 12, 2015 03:46 PM
From:	Senator Wayne D. Fontana
To:	All Senate members
Subject:	Study on Problem Gambling Program Funding

Act 71 of 2004 and Act 1 of 2010 legalized slot machines and table gaming in Pennsylvania. These acts also designated that a percentage of monies from the gaming industry would be allocated to the Compulsive and Problem Gambling Treatment Fund. Specifically, Pennsylvania law mandates $2 million or 2 percent of profits (whichever is larger) be diverted statewide from casinos to treatment for those with a gambling problem, education and prevention programs. Another $3 million is transferred annually to the Department of Health to be used for drug and alcohol addiction treatment related to problem gambling. In the near future, I will be introducing legislation that would direct the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to study the current and future state of compulsive and problem gambling treatment in this Commonwealth. I feel that this legislation is necessary to analyze the impact problem gambling has had on our state’s vulnerable residents and to make sure the appropriate amount of funding is available for programs in the future as this industry continues to grow. I hope you will consider joining me with this important initiative.

---