December 30, 2009

 

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - The chairman of Pennsylvania's House
Gaming Oversight Committee says he might hold a hearing on whether
the Pennsylvania Casino Association violated the state
lobbying-disclosure law.

 The association says it doesn't have to register because its
activities don't meet the legal definition of lobbying.

 Gaming Oversight Committee Chairman Dante Santoni says he wants
to consult with lawyers before deciding whether to hold hearings on
the matter.

 House and Senate negotiators are still trying to work out the
remaining differences in a bill to legalize table games such as
poker and blackjack at slot-machine casinos.

 Proponents say expanding gambling is a less painful alternative
to raising taxes to shore up the state's recession-ravaged
treasury. Opponents, however, say the measure is a favor for the
powerful gambling industry.