Some State Lawmakers Want To Halt Gambling Expansion

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- As Gov. Ed Rendell pushes to legalize slot machines at the state's racetracks, gambling opponents in the Legislature have unveiled a plan to halt any expansion of gambling.

Rendell said legalizing slot machines at the state's four racetracks could generate $500 million a year, money that the state can use to fund public education and lower property taxes.

With a vote expected in the next few months, gambling opponents want to put a stop to the issue. That's why a group of lawmakers who oppose gambling unveiled legislation to halt any gambling expansion for 18 months, so that the Legislature can study the impact slots would have not only on the economy, but also on society in general.

The lawmakers said studies show increased gambling leads to more gambling addictions, crimes and bankruptcies.

They are also worried that lawmakers will not only be asked to approve slots this spring, but also other forms of gambling, including video poker machines in bars and riverboat casinos.

"This is a flood. This is not a trickle over the dam. This is a flood where the pro-gambling advocates want everything in one hour, and I think we need to say halt, and see what impact this is going to have on our citizens," said Rep. Paul Clymer, a Republican from Bucks County.

Rendell said slot machines, like those at tracks in West Virginia, will help the state's horse-racing industry, which loses gamblers to states with slots.

A spokeswoman for the governor said the slot issue has been studied extensively, and a moratorium to allow for more study is not necessary. Rendell wants lawmakers to approve the slots bill by the end of June. The spokeswoman said Rendell opposes video poker, casinos and other forms of gambling.