HARRISBURG: The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board yesterday received important input from a number of witnesses as it prepares to open the application period for resort slot facilities.

The Race Horse Development and Gaming Act permits the licensing of two Category 3 facilities at well-established resort hotels having no fewer than 275 guest rooms under common ownership and having substantial year-round recreational guest amenities. The facilities can operate up to 500 slot machines compared to a maximum of 5,000 slot machines at Category 1 and 2 facilities.

HARRISBURG: The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board filed suit on Thursday with the State Supreme Court challenging an ordinance passed by Philadelphia City Council which would amend the city’s Home Rule charter through a May 15th ballot referendum, thereby restricting the location of legally approved slots casinos and further delaying property tax relief and new jobs.

Board Chairman Tad Decker says the ordinance is illegal since the Gaming Act clearly provides the Board with the authority to locate slot machine facilities.

Also Updates Rules Governing Category 3 Licenses

HARRISBURG: The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board today announced that it will accept applications for the two Category 3 slot machine licenses at resort hotels beginning April 20, 2007. The application period will run for 60 days.

HARRISBURG: Professional, educational and service organizations can make a request for a speaker from the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board for meetings and conferences.

The PGCB Speakers Bureau can make available board members and seasoned professionals who can present on various topics including the history and operation of the PGCB, compulsive gaming, gaming and the horse-racing industry, enforcement, legal and regulatory matters, human-resource issues and technology.

HARRISBURG: A new brochure that can help people assess their personal gambling behavior and determine if they should seek help is now available on the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board's website.

Your First Step to Change is a guide that can be used by individuals who are unable or unwilling to speak with either a trained counselor or recovering problem gambler involved in a 12-step program, according to Nanette Horner, the Director of the Board's Office of Compulsive and Problem Gambling.

HARRISBURG: The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board on Thursday responded in defense of legal challenges to its December 20, 2006 licensing decisions for stand alone slots facilities which awarded licenses to PITG Majestic Star in Pittsburgh; HSP and Foxwoods in Philadelphia; Sands Bethworks in Bethlehem and Mt. Airy Lodge in the Poconos. A total of three briefs were delivered to the State Supreme Court and are available for download at www.pgcb.state.pa.us.

Funds available to prevent the unlawful operation of slot machines

HARRISBURG: The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board today announced that local law enforcement agencies will soon be able to apply for grants to enforce and prevent the unlawful operation of slot machines.

The grant program was developed and approved by the Legislature as part of the Pennsylvania Race Horse Development and Gaming Act and funded with $5 million annually from money generated from slot machine facilities.

HARRISBURG: Top management from Pennsylvania horse race tracks told the Gaming Control Board today that the success of legalized slots machine gaming is already paying tremendous dividends toward reinvigorating the Commonwealth’s horse racing industry.

HARRISBURG: More than 50 persons have requested to take advantage of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board's new Self-Exclusion Program.

Since the introduction of the Self-Exclusion Program late last year, 52 people with gambling problems have voluntarily requested to be excluded from all gaming activities at all licensed facilities within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for one year, five years or a lifetime. Once a person is placed on the list, licensed Pennsylvania gaming facilities must:

HARRISBURG: The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board announced today that its next meeting in Harrisburg has been rescheduled from July 19 to Monday, July 16, 2007 beginning at 1:00 pm.

The meeting, which is open to the public, will remain in the same location, Hearing Room 1 of the North Office Building in Harrisburg.