Penn National Gaming agrees to continue local share payments

On 28 September, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court struck down the LSA provisions in the Pennsylvania Gaming Act, finding they either violated the Uniformity Clause of the Pennsylvania Constitution or were not severable. The General Assembly attempted to pass a new law preserving the LSA payments beyond 27 January, 2017, when the Supreme Court's decision takes effect, but was unsuccessful prior to adjourning on 27 October.

Eric Schippers, Sr. Vice President of Public Affairs for Penn National Gaming, said of the MOU, "In the wake of the Supreme Court decision, we supported a Legislative fix that would ensure our LSA payments continued uninterrupted, but unfortunately the House and Senate could not agree on an approach. Having always enjoyed a strong relationship with Dauphin County and our host municipalities, we quickly offered to sign an MOU preserving the LSA payments until at least 30 June to ease the communities' concerns about these critical revenues pending a long term legislative solution."

"We greatly appreciate Penn National Gaming stepping up to the plate and voluntarily offering this MOU to reassure our county and local municipalities and non-profit beneficiaries that the essential LSA funds will continue uninterrupted," said Jeff Haste, Chairman of the Dauphin County Board of Commissioners. "Hollywood Casino has proven, time and again, to be a responsible business leader and economic engine in Dauphin County, and we are grateful for our collective partnership."

The MOU will become effective on 27 January, 2017 should the Pennsylvania Supreme Court fail to extend the stay of its decision on 28 September, 2016 or if the Pennsylvania General Assembly is unable to craft a legislative solution to resolve the uniformity defects in the LSA section of the Pennsylvania Gaming Act.