HARRISBURG, Pa., July 5 (UPI) -- The Pennsylvania legislature has approved a bill allowing as many as 61,000 slot machines to generate $1 billion a year, the New York Times said Monday.
Pennsylvania officials estimate that within three years slot machines in 14 locations will generate $1 billion a year into the state budget for reducing local property taxes around the state and income taxes in Philadelphia.
State officials contend homeowners in communities agreeing to participate in a new tax-relief program will see their property taxes, which finance public schools, fall by an average of $330 a year.
The legislation, approved early Sunday. opens the door for the most slot machines in any state east of Nevada, the newspaper said.
Democratic Gov. Edward Rendell had to overcome opposition from conservatives, religious groups and government watchdog organizations who argued gambling would increase corruption, crime and social problems.
