WASHINGTON, Pa. -- Gambling proponents gathered in what may be a preview of the fall Legislative session, pushing for slot machines at four horse-racing tracks in Pennsylvania.

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A dozen industry officials testified at a state legislative hearing Wednesday, saying the industry is in "crisis" because of cross-border competition from tracks that do offer slots.

"I've never seen the industry at a time of greater risk or need," said Roger Huston, who for the past 26 years has announced races at The Meadows.

"We are enduring unfair competition from other states," such as West Virginia and Delaware, which have had slot machines at their racetracks for the past six years, he said.

A billboard just a few hundred yards north of The Meadows harness-racing track emphasized Huston's point. The promotion for a Wheeling, W.Va., track stated: "Paradise Found -- 1,300 slot machines -- Wheeling Downs."

Rep. Tom Petrone, D-West End, said he will introduce legislation this fall that would permit the state's four tracks to put as many as 2,000 slot machines in each.

"Pennsylvania's horse-racing industry employs 35,000 people," Petrone said. "We are exploring ways to improve and protect it and ensure its viable existence."

Testifying at the House Democratic Policy Committee hearing were officials from The Meadows and Pocono Downs in northeastern Pennsylvania, Penn National near Harrisburg and Philadelphia Park.

Conspicuously absent from the hearing were gambling opponents, who were not invited.

The Pittsburgh anti-gambling group No Dice did gather outside of The Meadows, however, holding their own press conference.

Evan Stoddard, who heads the group, called Petrone's slot machine bill "special interest legislation at its worst," saying it only serves to boost the revenue of "multinational gambling corporations that own the racetracks." He called the proposed legislation a threat to families and communities in Pennsylvania.

Stoddard said the state "can't afford the high suicide rates, family abuse, loss of income to legitimate businesses and political corruption that casino gambling inevitably brings."

Gambling advocates, however, said the positive economic affects of slot machines at tracks in neighboring states is impossible to ignore.

"Slot machines have fueled a remarkable rejuvenation of tracks in Delaware and West Virginia," said Thomas Kauffman, director of the Pennsylvania Horse Racing Association, which represents all four tracks. "Purses are up, attendance is up and tourism is up" in the areas around the tracks.

Petrone said he wants potential revenue from Pennsylvania tracks to help pay for senior citizens' drug prescriptions. Another legislator at the hearing, Rep. Lawrence Roberts, D-Fayette County, said some of the additional revenue should go to provide property tax relief.

Still unresolved is whether a statewide referendum will be required for an expansion of legalized gambling, or whether the referendums would be limited to the four counties where the racetracks are located.

Gov. Tom Ridge has insisted on a statewide vote, saying the slot machines will affect more than just the four counties, and thus all state residents should be able to vote.

Petrone is pushing for countywide referendums.

Petrone said he plans to introduce his bill when the Legislature reconvenes in September.

Republican Sen. Tommy Tomlinson of Bucks County is supporting a similar slot machine bill in the Senate.