Keno Now In Play In Pa. Lottery Bill Talks

By Tony Romeo

HARRISBURG, Pa. (CBS) - The state Senate majority leader says discussions about legislation that would allow for a private company to manage the Pennsylvania Lottery now include expanding the Lottery's roster of games to include Keno.

Earlier this year, the attorney general ruled that Governor Corbett did not have the authority to hire a private Lottery manager so now talks are underway for legislation that would allow it. Chester Republican Dominic Pileggi, the Senate majority leader, says those discussions now also include allowing the Lottery to offer Keno and other electronic games.

Furthermore, "If we do expand the Lottery games to include Keno, to use a portion of the revenues from the expanded Lottery function for a senior citizen property tax freeze."

Pileggi proposed the senior property tax freeze earlier this fall. He says it's not clear whether the Senate will be in position to vote on Lottery legislation this week or whether it will have to wait until next year.