It can all be very confusing. In the hopes of simplifying the proposed gaming expansion, here are the ABCs of VGTs.
A - Airports
B - Bars
C - Clubs
Under the proposal, video gaming terminals would be allowed in airports, bars, restaurants, taverns, private clubs, etc.
D - Deficit
Advocates hope the increase in statewide regulated gambling would help cut into the projected $3 billion deficit.
E - Expanded
F - Friday
G - Gaming
Advocates hope the expanded gaming legislation is part of the final state budget appropriation, which is due by midnight Friday.
H - House of Representatives
The House of Representatives narrowly passed the expanded gaming bill in June, by a vote of 102 to 89.
"It's un-regulated and un-taxed," said Rep. Mark Mustio (R-Allegheny) about the gaming industry. "Clearly everyone knows we have a significant deficit. This is a way to generate a large amount of revenue."
I - Internet
The House's proposal includes adding internet-based casino games to the mix, which are online games accessed by a casino's website.
J - Jake Corman, Senate Majority Leader
Corman is in charge of bringing House Bill 271 to a vote. He is not in favor of the expansive amount of video gambling proposed by the House. Right now, he says, there is not enough support to pass the bill as is.
"We're trying to get to that point where we can make everyone happy and get that balance where we can get to 26 votes," said Corman spokesperson Jennifer Kocher. "To date we haven't been able to do that."
K - Kill the bill
Corman could never hold a vote on the gaming bill, since the Senate already sent back a version of HB271 with amendments. The House voted the bill back with all the video gaming language reinserted.
L - Limited expansion
Corman, and other Senators, want to avoid an increase of "sin taxes" like gaming, as much as possible. They are, however, in favor of limited expansion, including online lottery sales.
M - Money
N - New revenue
House leaders project a full gaming expansion could net $350 million annual in new revenue.
O - Ortitay, Rep. Jason
State Representative Jason Ortitay is the bill's prime sponsor. He declined FOX43's interview request.
P - Pennsylvanians for Responsible Government
The lobbying group is airing commercials statewide, urging legislators to vote no against video gaming terminals. They cite lottery money taken away from senior citizens and jobs lost in casinos as a result of gambling expansion as their reason.
"The casino industry brings in billions of dollars to the commonwealth," said spokesman Mike Barley. "We should be careful not to kill the golden goose with what we already have."
Q - Quiet
State budget negotiations between caucus leaders are taking place, but according to Kocher, no one has met yet with Governor Tom Wolf in recent weeks regarding a final budget plan. The House passed their version of the budget earlier this session. Kocher says the Senate's final version will be closer to the House's $31.5 billion spend number than the governor's $32.3 billion.
R - Rich Alloway, State Senator
Franklin County Republican Sen. Rich Alloway is one of the Senate Republicans pushing for VGTs.
"Everyone is all over the board and we're trying to find that sweet spot. That's what legislation is all about, trying to find the place where you have those 26 votes," Alloway said.
S - Small businesses
Alloway says VGTs will help small business owners make extra money in their establishments.
T - Taxes
An increase in gaming, advocates say, is a way to increase projected revenue without adding broad based taxes, such as sales or personal income.
U - Unnecessary
Opponents of the increased gambling proposal argue it will cause unnecessary emotional harm, such as a greater likelihood of addiction or other social costs.
V - Veto
W - Wolf, Governor Tom
If a version of gaming expansion reaches Governor Tom Wolf's desk which includes video gaming terminals, the governor could always veto it.
X - eXplain
Y
Z - Zilch
If no agreement on a state budget is made by midnight Friday, Democrats and Republicans will be forced to explain why they are in a budget impasse for the third straight year. At that point, all the revenue proposals a worth zilch, nothing.