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For Immediate
Release
8/14/08
Senator Orie Urges Gaming Board to Reopen
Bidding Process for Pittsburgh Casino Project
Senate Majority Whip Jane Orie (R-Allegheny) today in written testimony
urged members of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board to revoke the license
awarded to PITG Gaming and reopen the bidding process for the financially troubled
casino project in Pittsburgh.
"The Board should not make decisions in a manner which favors the interests
of applicants above those of the public," Orie said during a hearing today in
Harrisburg. "I am concerned that the failure to adhere to the Gaming Act has
depleted public confidence in the Board and cost the Commonwealth financially."
Orie also called for a public input hearing on the slot license in Pittsburgh
and said the board should be more open and transparent in providing information
about the awarding of gaming licenses and the financial viability of those
operators applying.
"I believe the Board has not adequately considered the requests of me and
others for the public disclosure of transaction documents or basic information,"
Orie said.
"The Board has a duty to protect the public from unethical and inappropriate
conduct."
Orie strongly urged the board to
- Revoke the license awarded to PITG
- Order forfeiture of any license fees paid
- Reopen the bidding process to both public and potential new applicants
- Ensure that any new licensee is financially viable; and
- Ensure that any new licensee clearly complies with the prohibition
against multiple license ownership
"The Board has failed to act proactively and to demand accountability in
other license awards as well. Its problems are well-reported and widely known –
and unfortunately at least two of them are in my region of the state," Orie
said. "It is my belief that the fiduciary duty of the Board requires it to
demand the most value for the gaming license and the forfeiture of fees to the
Commonwealth."
Testimony of Senator Jane Orie
Contact:
Lee Derr
(717) 787-6538
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