In 2004, during the debate over whether to legalize gambling in Pennsylvania, Gov. Ed Rendell predicted that slot machine revenue one day would be able to cut school property taxes by an average of 23 percent. About 71/2 years and 10 casinos later, many homeowners are still waiting for that day. While slot machine gambling is delivering promised tax relief, it doesn’t appear that many residents locally are getting close to the 23 percent savings predicted by the former governor — or even the 15 percent to 20 percent estimated when slots gambling was legalized in July 2004. This year, the average reduction statewide will be $198. It might buy a nice dinner out or a cheap flat screen TV, but chances are it won’t come close to covering a school tax bill. Click here to read more.
How much is being spent to address gambling addiction?