Bill Allowing Bars To Have Small Games Of Chance Headed To Pa. Governor's Desk
By Tony Romeo
HARRISBURG, Pa. (CBS) - A bill that would allow bars and taverns to have a limited number of games of chance is on its way to Governor Corbett's desk, and a spokesman says the governor is expected to sign it.
The state House last week passed an amended version of the small games of chance bill and Monday, the Senate – without debate – concurred in those amendments and sent the bill to the governor. Those House amendments helped appease some veterans groups who feared the impact that games in bars would have on private clubs they operate.
Amie Christie of the Pennsylvania Licensed Beverage Association says the bars and taverns she represents are only seeking a level playing field.
"I have members that may not have been able to pay themselves in the last six months. So this isn't going to be a windfall for the taverns, but it's definitely going to help them pay some bills."
Taverns will be limited to three games, those being pull-tabs, daily drawings and raffles. The state will take 60 percent of the proceeds from tavern games, with the bars getting 35 percent and host municipalities 5 percent.
