HARRISBURG: The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue today announced that SAS 6.01 will be the initial communications protocol for slots gaming in the commonwealth.

Revenue Secretary Gregory C. Fajt said SAS 6.01 is the most widely used communications protocol in the gaming industry. He said using SAS 6.01 will ensure that the broadest possible range of manufacturers can participate in the rollout of slots gaming in Pennsylvania.

HARRISBURG: The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board today unanimously approved regulations governing the vendors that will provide non-gaming goods and services to gaming facility operators in the Commonwealth.

“Act 71 gives the Board the ‘power and duty’ to adopt the regulations necessary to bring expanded gaming to Pennsylvania and ensure its integrity,” said Board Chairman Tad Decker. “With each set of regulations we develop, we move a step closer to the day when expanded gaming can begin in the Commonwealth.”

HARRISBURG: The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board will hold a public meeting at 10 a.m. on Thursday Nov. 17, 2005, in Room 8 E/A of the Capitol Complex in Harrisburg.

Limited reserved seating will be available for the media, and a mult-box connection will be provided. Agendas will be available at the meeting.

HARRISBURG: The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board today unanimously approved a series of regulations governing the movement and possession of slot machines; ownership of gaming licenses; and “junkets,” a gaming industry promotional practice. The regulations will be available in their entirety on the Board’s Web site, www.pgcb.state.pa.us.

HARRISBURG: The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board today named Stephen M. DeFrank, a veteran staffer in the Pennsylvania General Assembly, as its first legislative liaison.

“Part of our job is keeping open lines of communications between the Board and the Legislature, and Steve’s long-time service on Capitol Hill will facilitate that kind of dialogue,” said Tad Decker, Chairman of the Board. “He will be a tremendous addition to our staff.”

HARRISBURG: The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board will hold public meetings at 10 a.m. on Thursday Dec. 1, 2005, and 10 a.m. on Thursday Dec. 15, 2005, in Hearing Room #1 of the North Office Building in the Capitol Complex in Harrisburg. The North Office Building is at the corner of Commonwealth Avenue and North Street. Peopl without Capitol credentials should enter via North Street to pass through security.

HARRISBURG: The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board will keep its December 28, 2005, deadline for the submission of all applications for operating licenses, Chairman Tad Decker said today.

HARRISBURG: The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board today launched a month-long public-comment period on draft regulations governing internal controls.

“Act 71 gives the Board the ‘power and duty’ to adopt the regulations necessary to bring expanded gaming to Pennsylvania and ensure its integrity,” said Chairman Tad Decker. “With each set of regulations we develop, we move a step closer to the day when expanded gaming can begin in the Commonwealth.”

HARRISBURG: The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board will end its lease for office space in Conshohocken, Pa., to avoid the appearance of a conflict of interest, Chairman Tad Decker said today.

“The Board confirmed last week through press reports that a group in which our lessor has a property interest is a likely applicant for a gaming license,” Decker said. “I have since spoken with our real estate broker and the lessor, and we have confirmed that we will be terminating the lease.

HARRISBURG: The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board today launched separate public comments periods on draft regulations governing hearings and appeals and management companies.

“Act 71 gives the Board the ‘power and duty’ to adopt the regulations necessary to bring expanded gaming to Pennsylvania and ensure its integrity,” said Chairman Tad Decker. “With each set of regulations we develop, we move a step closer to the day when expanded gaming can begin in the Commonwealth.”