PA Gaming Board Approves Regulations Governing Category 2, Category 3 Facilities, Investigations, Enforcement

Board Launches Comment Period on Ownership, Possession Rules

PHILADELPHIA: The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, charged by statute with implementing and regulating the expansion of gaming in the Commonwealth, today unanimously approved regulations governing Category 2 and Category 3 gaming facilities and those governing the Board’s chief enforcement arm, the Bureau of Investigations and Enforcement.

Separately, the Board began two, month-long public comment-periods on new draft regulations governing the ownership of multiple operating licenses and possession and movement of slot machines in Pennsylvania.

“Our number-one mission remains ensuring the integrity of expanded gaming in Pennsylvania,” said Board Chairman Tad Decker. “Every new set of regulations we pass moves us a step closer toward that goal and toward the day that gaming facilities can begin operations here.”

Act 71 of 2004 authorizes the Board to license 14 slot-machine gaming facilities across the state, including five standalone sites – known as Category 2 facilities – and two sites at existing resorts – known as Category 3 facilities. The Board previously approved regulations governing the seven Category 1 facilities it will license at Pennsylvania horse-racing tracks.

The act also authorizes the creation of the Bureau of Investigations and Enforcement.
The public-comment periods approved by the Board on the draft operating license ownership and slot-machine possession-movement regulations extends to Oct. 28, 2005. Members of the public who wish to view the draft regulations may visit the Board’s Web site, www.pgcb.state.pa.us, and click on “Regulations” to access the draft. They will also be published in The Pennsylvania Bulletin.

People who wish to obtain a hard copy may do so by sending a certified check for $10 for each set of regulations requested to: Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, PO Box 69060, Harrisburg, Pa., 17106-9060, Attn: Draft Regulations. Checks must be made out to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and requests should specify which set of draft regulations – ownership or possession/movement -- the person wishes to receive.

Comments submitted to the Board must be postmarked no later than Oct. 28, 2005, and must contain the following information: Name or organization represented, mailing address, county, telephone number, e-mail address (if available) and the topic or regulation addressed. Comments must address the regulation under consideration to be considered in the final record.

Today’s meeting in Philadelphia was the Board’s second in the state’s largest city since the Board began holding meetings in December 2004.