Capitol Roundup: Rep. Eddie ‘day’ Pashinski Votes Against ‘flawed’ Gaming Expansion Amendment

WILKES-BARRE — State Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski, D-Wilkes-Barre, voted against a gaming expansion amendment that failed this week in the House of Representatives. Pashinski supports bringing video gaming terminals into the commonwealth, but voted against the amendment that would have allowed 75,000 VGTs to flood the gaming market overnight. According to an emailed news release, Pashinski said the legislation would have permitted five of the machines at liquor establishments and truck stops, would have “completely saturated the gaming industry” and, in the long run, would have done more harm than good to small businesses, bars and taverns. Pashinski said the overflow would also have had a negative flow of revenue — anywhere between $80 million and $200 million — to the Pennsylvania Lottery, which provides funding for programs for senior citizens. Pashinski currently has legislation — House Bill 1458 — that would allow three video gaming terminals in restaurants, bars and clubs with a valid liquor license.