Local reps will gamble on riverboats if tavern owners get in on action

Key local Republicans are prepared to back riverboat gambling if racetracks and taverns can roll the dice.

Key members of Northeast Philadelphia's state House delegation are prepared to back riverboat gambling, but want local taverns and racetracks in on the action.

"We want to take care of the tavern owners who are going to be hurt most if riverboat gambling comes to the city," said an influential GOP representative.

Speaking off-the-record, two key local Republican leaders said they expect to back riverboat gambling but will first fight to allow slot machines at Philadelphia Park racetrack and video gaming in bars.

"I understand the real world. We cannot pass riverboat gambling without first (addressing) the tavern owners and the horsemen," said State Rep. George Kenney (R-170). Many tavern owners oppose the riverboats fearing a loss of local entertainment dollars to the floating casinos. They have captured the attention of the local GOP delegation.

"Whether it's riverboat gambling, keno, or slots at the racetrack, we need to find ways to (pay for) expanding the PACE program, for example, or building new stadiums. This is about bringing revenue into the commonwealth and creating jobs," said Kenney. "This is no longer just about riverboats."

Last month, Kenney introduced an amendment calling for a May referendum on legalizing riverboat gambling. It is attached to legislation on campaign finance reform that has stalled in the House.

Kenney made the move believing too many legislators want riverboat gambling to "wither" without a vote, he said. Campaign finance reform, he said, wasn't nearly as important to his constituents.

With Delaware okaying slot machines at its racetracks, Kenney said, gamblers are being lured away from Philadelphia Park in Bucks County. "That has an impact on the agricultural economy," Kenney said. "The horses that run on Pennsylvania tracks will head to Delaware because the purses are larger. That affects the people who grow the feed and raise the horses."

State Rep. Chris Wogan (R-170), a riverboat gaming foe, has "heard the rumors" about connecting riverboat gambling to video poker and racetrack slots. "I understand the argument," he said. "We need revenue. That's what makes it so palpable." But he's skeptical about gambling's "positives" outweighing the potential negatives. Though a pre-election vote was never likely, Kenney vowed to bring up the measure in the next session.