Slot machines in Pennsylvania are not yet licensed, but this does not stop two influential House Democrats from introducing legislation allowing the expansion of Roulette, Poker and other table games in the state.
Minority Leader H. William DeWeese, D-Waynesburg, and Democratic Whip Mike Veon, D-Beaver, would propose permitting roulette and blackjack and other table games at 14 gaming facilities that are not yet licensed.
According to DeWeese, legalizing roulette and other table games will contribute in reducing taxes. He believes that there is no difference in betting $10 in slots or in roulette. However, Senator Jake Corman, who voted against legalizing slot machines, strongly disagrees and declares that he won’t support it because he would not want to see fully developed casinos in Pennsylvania.
Senator Corman thinks that legalizing table games will strengthen the casino gambling debate. And so does Veon, he believes that introducing the legislation is a good start for the debate. The purpose is to get the tourism and recreational development committee and the finance committee to look at the plan and reconsider according to what is best for Pennsylvania's future.
Some people don’t see this as an investment for the future because the sum of the profits from slot machines remains unknown. These people believe that Roulette and other table games are another form of gambling and that there is no reason to encourage betting in Pennsylvania.
According to DeWeese and Veon, during the last decade, consumer spending at casinos across the country has increased. It seems that Americans spend more in commercial casinos than they spend in other forms of entertainment. They claim that table games attract a different kind of customer than slot machines. In terms of competition, their opinion is that Pennsylvania must stay competitive with neighboring states; otherwise, the profits from the games will go elsewhere.
| 
