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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Jake Wheatley |
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Wheatley wins House approval for amendment to table-games bill
HARRISBURG, Oct. 4 – State Rep. Jake Wheatley, D-Allegheny, today won approval from the House of Representatives for an amendment he offered to a bill (S.B. 711) that would legalize table games at Pennsylvania casinos.
Under Wheatley's amendment, the state Gaming Control Board would be required to commission a study of the impact of the Compulsive and Problem Gambling Treatment Fund in areas where gaming was expanded. The study would include data on race, gender, geography and income and a recommendation of whether the fund's appropriation should be increased to up to $5 million.
"This study would allow us to determine whether there are disproportionate impacts from gaming in Pennsylvania and whether more funding for treatment may be needed," Wheatley said.
Wheatley also voted for an amendment added to the bill that would require the state Gaming Control Board's quarterly reviews to include an evaluation of the effectiveness of all diversity plans submitted by slot machine license applicants and recommendations for improvements to those diversity plans.
The amended bill is expected to receive final approval by the House this week.
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