Slots to come to PA—a Wayne County view

By TOM KANE

HONESDALE, PA — The jury is still out in Wayne County over the coming of slot machines to the Commonwealth.

The New York Times carried an article on July 5, stating that as many as 61,000 slot machines or video lottery terminal (VLT) were approved by the state legislature and Governor Rendell.

It will take three years for the machines to be located in 14 sites in the state, the article said.

The legislation authorizes seven racetracks and five slot parlors to get 3,000 slot machines each.

Pocono Downs, which could also receive the machines, is only one hour’s drive from Honesdale.

“I’m not in favor of the Poconos getting a gambling reputation,” said Anthony Herzog, Chairman of the Wayne County Board of Commissioners.

Still, Herzog says he might be in favor of it if it’s done right and if the revenue stream is more clearly defined.

“I’ve heard different figures on what the yearly revenue will be,” he said, “I’ve heard it could be two billion and as low as $750,000. Nobody seems to know.”

Commissioner Robert Carmody takes a somewhat similar position,

“I’m for it if it’s managed properly and if the money is spent wisely,” Carmody said. “I think money from gambling could be good for the state.”

Those interviewed at the county courthouse on July 8 came down on both sides of the issue.

“People go out of state to gamble. Why not here?” asked Bill Massel of Madison Township.

“Gambling will help us lower our taxes, especially our school taxes. I’m in favor of it,” said Lorraine Matern of South Canaan.

“No, I’m against it. People squander their money, which would be used for other legitimate things,” said Kathy Thomson of Hemlock Farms.

“I’m absolutely against it. It brings crime and addictive gambling,” said Janusz Berghoff of Hawley.

Just last week, a mid-level state court in New York declared Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs) unconstitutional because of payments to a harness racing association, which might affect the new racino in Monticello. The decision, however, is being appealed.

As to the terminals in Pennsylvania, Herzog said, “I want to see how it all plays out.”