Pennsylvania has many successful slots only casinos. The benefits of including other casino games like blackjack, poker, craps and roulette and other table games would be great. With the massive budget shortfall of $3.2 billion, people are wondering when these table games will be allowed in casinos.
Last year the State Rep. William DeWeese made a big case for full-blown casinos to be made legal and now he is doing it again. It does make more sense now, because of the current economic situation in America.
Recently DeWeese said “I really feel I have more wind behind my back this time… Revenues are down, taxes are not bringing in as much.” He also said that “The physical challenges for the Keystone State are so achingly difficult that any new possible revenue has to be considered. Gaming has been one of the elements of our state revenue stream that remains robust.”
The final touches to legislation that would allow table games like blackjack was being put in by DeWeese. Imagine if the House Bill 21 (hehe like the name of the game) were to pass, then Pennsylvania would be able to offer casino gambling action like they do in Vegas and in Atlantic City.
It is thought that table games could potentially bring in an extra $300 million in revenue each year. DeWeese said “Once Pittsburgh and Philly are online, I think Gov. Rendell’s projection of $1.5 billion a year in slots revenue will look low… With the addition of table games, we would be approaching $2 billion.”
But table games would also have to compete with another casino favorite, video poker. Video poker machines could potentially bring in $500 million in state revenue. Money that could go towards tuition fees for students that needs it at Pennsylvania’s state-owned universities and community colleges.
Both proposals will not get passed at the same time and if video poker is defeated, including blackjack tables and other table games at the casinos would be much more likely. If you can’t play in land based casinos, then play blackjack online. It’s more convenient and a lot easier.