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For Immediate
Release
2/6/08
Contact:
Colleen Greer
(717) 787-6801
Piccola to Unveil Package Addressing Major
Gaming Law Revisions
HARRISBURG – Senator Jeffrey E. Piccola (R-15) announced today his plans to
introduce a legislative package highlighting key revisions to Pennsylvania's
Gaming Law and implementing the recommendations made by the Fourth Dauphin
County Grand Jury in their investigation of casino owner Louis DeNaples.
With the announcement of four perjury charges against DeNaples for allegedly
lying to the state gaming officials about his ties to organized crime, the Grand
Jury made specific recommendations addressing how Pennsylvania should deal with
applicants for casino licenses.
These changes include: (1) opening all portions of the application process
relating to character and integrity of applicants, principals, and key employees
to public scrutiny (DeNaples is accused of lying in private meetings with Gaming
Control Board investigators); (2) transferring the Gaming Board's Bureau of
Investigation and Enforcement to the Office of the Attorney General; and (3)
requiring all applicants to make Freedom of Information Act requests regarding
their criminal file and providing all documents obtained to the Bureau of
Investigation and Enforcement.
Piccola offered a number of similar amendments when the Senate first
considered the Gaming Law, now Act 71, in 2004. He studied New Jersey's law and
concluded that the Attorney General should have a substantial role in
investigating and licensing gaming applicants. Piccola was pleased that the
Grand Jury drew the same conclusions.
"It's essential that a true law enforcement agency be given the power to
conduct thorough background investigations of applicants. We must protect the
people of Pennsylvania by giving the Attorney General the power and duty to
oppose the licensure of individuals whom law enforcement officials deem
unsuitable to operate a casino," he said. "I look forward to working with
Dauphin County District Attorney Ed Marsico and the State Police to implement
the Grand Jury recommendations."
In response to Piccola's action and call for reforming the 'flawed' statute,
District Attorney Ed Marsico said, "I thank Senator Piccola for his efforts to
improve gaming in the Commonwealth. He has consistently worked to ensure that
law enforcement is given the necessary tools to keep integrity in gaming in
Pennsylvania. Certainly an open process and effective background investigations
by law enforcement will go a long way in improving the process."
Additional Information:
Reforming Government
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