An Associated Press reported highlighted the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board reported that in 2011, gambling revenues in the Keystone State rose 22 percent to more than $3 billion. With numbers like that, it is hard to imagine a municipality or locality not wanting a gaming establish built to attract jobs and other ancillary business. But state Rep. Paul Clymer, R-Bucks, wants a 10-mile buffer zone around important historical locations, as reported by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
What sites in particular are trying to be protected?
According to the No Casino Gettysburg Network, PA HB2082 would prevent any casino from being built within 10 miles of two historic sites: the Gettysburg National Military Park and the Flight 93 Memorial. Both sites represent two of the more important historical locations in Pennsylvania.
Where does Pennsylvania rank among states for gambling revenue?
According to a report from the USA Today, Pennsylvania ranks as the third-largest gaming market nationally. The report mentions Pennsylvania trails only Nevada ($10 billion in revenue) and New Jersey ($3.3 billion). The report mentions Pennsylvania's rise to the top was a result of the legalization of table games late in 2010.
What groups are for and against the buffer zone bill?
According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette report, casino developers, businessmen and many residents are in favor of building casinos. Plus, the report mentions Adams County commissioners, where Gettysburg is located, have stated a 10-mile buffer would stretch through Gettysburg and into Maryland. On the other side of the argument are preservation groups like No Casino Gettysburg and the National Trust for Historic Preservation, in addition to local historians, as reported by The Evening Sun.
What could a casino bring to any proposed area?
According the Post-Gazette report, a resort destination-type casino built in Adams County could generate up to 1,000 jobs and millions of dollars for the local economy, which explains why many residents and business owners are in favor of a gaming destination.
What does the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board think?
Before the Gettysburg area was turned down for a casino license, the PGCB did not believe a gaming facility would adversely affect the Gettysburg Battlefield or have a negative impact on its importance as a landmark and historic location, as reported by PhillyBurbs.com.
Jason Gallagher is a longtime Pennsylvania resident. He has experiences in trends and developments in many regions from having lived in many parts of the Keystone State, and currently resides in the Pittsburgh area.




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