Gaming Tables Ok’d in PA

The Pennsylvania Senate voted last night to allow the states casinos to have table games. The Rivers Casino in Pittsburgh, the Presque Isle Downs and Casino in Erie and the Meadows Casino in Washington County can now add blackjack and other table games. Governor Rendel’s signature was the last one needed for the bill to go into effect.

According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Rivers Casino plans to add about 80 gaming tables, 15 to 20 for poker and 60 to 65 for blackjack, roulette, craps and other games. The casino will have its own poker room, and is also planning a "party pit" for more casual games with lower minimum bets. At the Meadows, officials intend to add about 25 poker tables and 40 table games, including a separate poker room. Presque Isle plans to add 45-50 table games, but no poker tables.

Initially, table games will be taxed at a rate of 16 percent - 14 percent directly to the state, with 1 percent each to the casino's county and its municipality. The state's share will be applied toward the general fund to fill budget shortfalls until the state's Rainy Day Fund reaches $750 million. After that, all Pennsylvania table-game revenue will go toward property-tax relief.

It is expected to be anywhere from four to nine months before table games are up and running in area casinos.

News Added: 07 January, 2010

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