Pennsylvania close to legalizing table games

One of the last remaining pieces to make this year's state budget complete in Pennsylvania is coming together.

Governor Ed Rendell says there's growing consensus in Harrisburg on how much table game casinos profits should be taxed. Currently the state only offers legalized slot machine gambling.

Rendell says the tax would include a share for counties and municipalities hosting casinos.
Spokesmen for House Democratic leaders say negotiations are "in the ballpark" of the sixteen percent rate, but that details might change as talks continue.
Under one plan being discussed, municipalities would receive one percent of casino's table games profits, and counties would also get a one percent levy.
Rendell says he's talked to legislative leaders about whether or not the bill would increase the number of slot machines allowed at "resort casinos," or whether the state would issue more category three licenses.

Rendell: I said if they wanted to expand, I would sign the bill. That's not a deal breaker for me.  That's up to them, but they have to get this done. They have to get this done when they return on the seventh of December. They simply have to get this done.

Rendell has refused to sign a bill authorizing funding to state-related universities until table games legislation passes. This year's budget relies on $200 million from the initiative.

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• Pa. Gov: Layoffs loom without table games
• Pa. House delays table games vote till Monday
• House Dems say no to table games in Nov.
• Rendell urges action on table games bill