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Lawmaker pressing for legalization of slots

Monday, July 30, 2001 | 10:45 a.m.

CANONSBURG, Pa. -- The newest push to expand legalized gambling in Pennsylvania begins in earnest Wednesday.

That's when state Rep. Tom Petrone, a Pittsburgh Democrat, will hold a legislative hearing at the Meadows harness racetrack in Washington County on his plan to legalize slot machines at the state's four horse tracks.

Anti-gambling groups are already gearing up to oppose Petrone's plan and a similar bill being pushed by state Sen. Tommy Tomlinson, a Bucks County Republican.

"Like a zombie rising from the tomb, a casino gambling proposal is once again on the horizon in Pennsylvania," said Michael Geer of Pennsylvanians Against Gambling Expansion. "And it's just as bad an idea as ever."

Antigambling groups across the state blocked proposals to legalize riverboat gambling put forth in 1994 and 1995 by former state Rep. Frank Gigliotti, another Pittsburgh Democrat.

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