The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board meets later this week (Wednesday) but there is plenty of work going on over at the Capitol to keep table games watchers occupied.  While the House now holds serve on the table games bill, negotiations are happening today between legislative leaders on exactly what will be in the final bill.

The hold up, as it has been since Day 1, is the tax rate that will be paid by casino owners for the right to deal the cards, spin the wheel and roll the bones.  If you picked the roulette wheel to stop on “16”, you may be a big winner.

If the tax rate ends up being 16%, it will set up an interesting Floor Debate.  The Senate GOP has been clear about wanting a comparatively low tax rate, while the House Dems wanted a substantially higher levy.  House GOP gaming opponents are now in the uncomfortable position of railing against the 16% rate – which they most assuredly will do – that was favored by their Senate brethren. 

Colleges, universities and other recipients of non-preferred appropriations are getting a wee bit hot under the collar waiting for this particular game to end.