Gambling News by Gambling Headquarters

Gov. Ed Rendell is considering a measure to allow slot-machine parlors in Pennsylvania to serve patrons unlimited free drinks. Are we the only ones who think this sounds like a really bad idea? Apparently, many of our state legislators don't. The measure passed the Senate, 27-22, and the House, 112-75, and now awaits the governor's signature to become law. Currently, horse tracks are not permitted to serve any free drinks. Other licensed establishments, including bars and restaurants, can provide one free drink per patron. If Rendell follows along with the General Assembly, the new measure would permit 14 slots parlors, including those at racetracks, to serve free drinks from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. The state Senate also discussed extending hours that alcohol could be served, but did not act on that before its session ended. Senate Democratic leader Robert J. Mellow of Lacka-wanna County was among those arguing for the concept of unlimited free drinks. Mellow and others say Pennsylvania's gambling parlors need to be able to serve unlimited free drinks to stay competitive with parlors in neighboring states, which already offer unlimited free drinks."It's that way in all the states that have gambling," Mellow said. Then by all means we should do that, too, right? If your friend jumps off a cliff ... Let's park people in front of slots machines and let them drink all day. Nothing bad could ever come from that. Opponents of the free-drinks plan said it would give slots parlors an unfair advantage over bars and clubs that sell their drinks. We suppose that would be one reason the governor should veto this plan. Another might be that it would be bad for the people of Pennsylvania, especially those betting their life's savings on the next pull of a mechanical arm.