Title
Authorizing Philadelphia City Council's Committee on Legislative Oversight to hold public hearings investigating the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board's award of Category 2 Slot Machine Licenses, whether or not the awards comply with the requirements of Act 71, and whether there are more appropriate sites available for the Slot Machine facilities, and further authorizing the Committee to issue subpoenas to compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of documents and other evidence.
Body
WHEREAS, The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) awarded two Category 2 Slot Machine Licenses in Philadelphia on December 20, 2006. The two awardees were Foxwoods and SugarHouse Casinos, book ending the Central Delaware Waterfront; and,
WHEREAS, Under Act 71, also known as the Racing Development and Gaming Act of 2004, the PGCB must consider the applicant's financial backing, business experience, operational viability and diversity in ownership. It is unknown what specific criteria the PGCB used in determining whether the two applicants that received awards were the most qualified under these requirements; and,
WHEREAS, In addition to these requirements, the PGCB may also consider the applicant's location, including road and transit access, parking and centrality to the market service area; the potential for new job creation and economic development; good faith plans to diversify employment, to enhance minority ownership and to provide for equal opportunities; the history and success of tourism facilities ancillary to gaming; the degree to which the applicant presents a plan for quality jobs for Philadelphians; the record of the applicant and the developer in meeting commitments to local agencies, community based organizations and unions in other locations; and the degree to which the potential adverse effects associated with gaming (public health care, child care, public transportation, affordable housing and social services) are mitigated. It is...
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