Tomlinson Introduces Legislation to Create Tougher
Sanctions in Gaming Law
HARRISBURG -- Sen.
Tommy Tomlinson (R-6) introduced legislation Monday that would take further
steps to prevent organized crime from gaining a foothold in slot machine gaming.
Senate Bill 1230 would amend the Crimes Code to
expand the jurisdiction of prosecutions for racketeering and organized crime.
Sen. Tomlinson, who was the sponsor of the amendment that authorized slot
machine gaming, introduced the legislation in response to a request by the
Attorney General’s Office and the State Police.
“The gaming law includes some of the most strict
oversight provisions in the country, but that does not mean we shouldn’t examine
ways we can make our law even better, even stronger, even tougher than it
already is,” Sen. Tomlinson said. “I look forward to working with my colleagues
in the General Assembly to accomplish these goals.”
Senate Bill 1230 would add the new gambling offenses
of Act 71 to those crimes prosecuted under the existing Pennsylvania’s Racketeer
Influence and Corrupt Organizations Act. Sen. Tomlinson said that these
criminal sanctions are the toughest Pennsylvania has to offer to combat
organized crime and would further expand the authority of the Attorney General.
“Our work on the issue of gaming was not finished
with the final roll call vote,” Sen. Tomlinson said. “Since slots will not be
operating for more than a year, we have plenty of time to work together to
improve the existing laws regarding slot machine gaming.”
Sen. Tomlinson’s amendment to House Bill 2330
authorized up to 14 slot licenses, including seven at the Commonwealth’s horse
racing tracks. The slot venues are expected to generate $1 billion in state tax
revenue annually, and license fees for slot operators will provide an additional
one-time revenue boost of more than $600 million.
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