Gambling News by House of Odds

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.