WASHINGTON, Pa. -- State Rep. Tom Michlovic, a Democrat from North Braddock, has revived his support to legalize slot machines at four horse racing tracks in Pennsylvania.
Michlovic said Thursday that he has introduced a bill to bring as many as 2,000 slot machines to The Meadows in Houston, Washington County. Other tracks that would get the machines are Penn National, near Grantville, Dauphin County; The Downs at Pocono, near Wilkes-Barre in Luzerne County; and Philadelphia Park in Bensalem County.
By taxing the gross revenue from slot machines, Michlovic said more than $1 billion would be generated each year. He said more than $458 million would go toward the public's benefit, including:
- 25 percent for volunteer fire departments
- 36 percent for water and sewer improvements
- 36 percent for public transit
Many western Pennsylvanians currently go to West Virginia tracks, where legal slot machines are available. Eastern Pennsylvanians often visit Delaware for legal gambling.
Public opinion varies on the issue.
"It's a pretty good idea," said Renae Hutchins of Washington. "It will keep a lot of money in the community. Everybody goes to Wheeling Downs to gamble. (Now) they will stay here."
Others aren't so positive.
"It's a good revenue-raiser," said Randy Moon of South Strabane, "but I think the people that probably use the slot machines are going to be people that can probably least afford to be spending their money that way."
Michlovic's bill would dedicate $100 for every slot machine toward programs that treat compulsive gamblers.
He said the question of whether or not to gamble should be left up to the public.
"Why are we making decisions about how other people spend their money?" Michlovic asked. "They enjoy it. Let them do it, and have Pennsylvania benefit instead of West Virginia or Delaware."
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