Pittsburgh Slots Forum Sparks Debate

PENNSYLVANIA – As reported by her Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: "Slots in Pittsburgh could build an arena, destroy lives or create jobs, depending on who was speaking Wednesday night at the Pittsburgh Gaming Task Force's public forum.

"About 50 people attended the forum at the Regional Enterprise Tower, Downtown, making it the liveliest of the group's three public meetings so far.

"Mike Mooney, a founder of a group called Slots for Mario, presented petitions from 26,000 people asking the task force to recommend that the Penguins receive the license. Team owner Mario Lemieux has said he wants to use slots revenue to build an arena in the Lower Hill District.

"…The arrival of slots in Pittsburgh will lead to increased cases of gambling addiction, said the Rev. David Gleason, of the First Lutheran Church of Pittsburgh, Downtown. He serves on the task force's Social Impact Committee, which has determined the casino should ban problem gamblers and provide money to treat gambling addiction.

"…Appointed by Mayor Tom Murphy, the task force plans to issue recommendations for the one stand-alone slots parlor coming to Pittsburgh. The state Gaming Control Board plans to issue 14 licenses for casinos across the state…"