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Casino Referendum Survives Mayor's Veto

PHILADELPHIA-The city council overrides Mayor Street's veto of legislation to put a referendum concerning casino locations on the ballot, but the courts may have the final say.

By Marita Thomas | Updated on March 30, 2007

PHILADELPHIA-The city council has overridden Mayor John Street’s veto of legislation that would put a referendum regarding casino locations on the May 15 primary election ballot. Like the legislation that called for the referendum, this vote was also unanimous.

Specifically, it asks voters to decide on a change in the city charter, which would ban casino development within 1,500 feet of a residence, school or house of worship. In a letter to the council, Street said a change in the charter “would effectively prohibit licensed gaming on the two sites selected by the Gaming Control Board or at any location in Philadelphia where gaming is economically viable.” The board granted slots licenses to Foxwoods and SugarHouse.

He called gaming “crucial” to the growth of the hospitality industry and expansion of the Pennsylvania Convention Center, noting that 5% of the expected $3 billion in annual gaming taxable revenue is to help fund the center’s expansion. He also said approximately $100 million in annual revenue would fund reduction of the city’s wage tax, and $25 million in casino host fees would fund the school district over five years.

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