Every proposed reform is broadly supported with little to no opposition
HARRISBURG, PA / ACCESSWIRE / July 23, 2024 / An overwhelming number of Pennsylvanians support broad reforms of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB), according to a poll released today by the Pennsylvania Taverns and Players Association (PA TAP).
Read a memo on the polling here.
The poll, commissioned by CYGNAL polling, gauged Pennsylvanians' opinions on proposed reforms to the PGCB. Those reforms include reducing member salaries, implementing mandatory ethics training, increasing penalties for not disclosing meetings with the businesses or agents of those the PGCB regulates, and biennial audits to measure compliance with transparency.
The PGCB is the licensing and regulatory agency responsible for overseeing slot machines and casino gambling in the state.
Doug Sprankle, president of PA TAP, an organization comprised of hundreds of locations that support skill games and operators who maintain the games, stated: "Pennsylvanians are unified in support of reforming the PGCB. These reforms are desperately needed because media reports have uncovered a cozy relationship between casinos and the PGCB. The PGCB is supposed to regulate the casinos, not take their orders.
"PA TAP is particularly concerned about the inappropriate and secret meetings casino lobbyists had to successfully influence the PGCB to attack legal skill games," added Sprankle.
The poll, conducted from June 14-16, 2024, included likely Pennsylvania general election voters who signaled strong support for reforms to the PGCB.
When asked if they would support further penalties for any Board or staff member, as well as casino operators, staff or designees for failing to post meetings on publicly available logs as currently required, 69.1% support reforms, while only 10.5% oppose.
Most voters, 74.5%, support decreasing the salary of PGCB members from $145,000 annually to $90,000, which is consistent with other state board appointments.
Even more voters, 77.8%, support biennial audits to ensure that the PGCB fully complies with the Gaming Act and checks to ensure the Board is operating with full openness and transparency.
Requiring all Board members and executive staff to take mandatory annual ethics training is supported by 71.9% of voters, and opposed by 10.2%.
About PA TAP
Pennsylvania Taverns and Players Association (PA TAP) helps protect member businesses, fraternal clubs, volunteer fire companies and veterans' organizations in challenging economic times. PA TAP's mission is to help members succeed financially through legislative efforts beneficial to their stability and growth. Learn more here.
Contact Information
Jeanette Krebs
jk@krebs.solutions
SOURCE: Pennsylvania Taverns and Players Association
View the original press release on newswire.com.
