On Thursday, September 16, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board approved three grant requests totalling $315,760 to law enforcement agencies to fund programs designed to thwart illegal gambling in the Commonwealth.
These were the first awards approved by the board under the Local Law Enforcement Grant Program since the program was amended by the state legislature in January of this year. Under the program, the PGCB is authorized to award up to $2 million annually in grants to local law enforcement agencies and the Pennsylvania State Police for the purpose of investigating, enforcing and preventing unlawful gambling in the Commonwealth.
A maximum award of $150,000 may be sought by any single local law enforcement agency and a maximum award of $250,000 may be sought by the State Police. Grant funds may be used for the purpose of attending or conducting education and training events, defraying costs associated with investigations, prevention, deterrence or enforcement of laws related to illegal gambling, or the prosecution of crimes involving illegal gambling.
The funding comes from revenues generated from licensed slot machine facilities.
Grants approved were to the:
• Swatara Township Police Department in Dauphin County – $42,400
• Borough of Freeland Police Department in Luzerne County – $23,370
• Pennsylvania State Police – $249,990
“These grants go a long way in helping law enforcement offset the cost of uncovering and investigating illegal gambling operations, and then prosecuting violators,” said Gaming Control Board Chairman Greg Fajt. “Most importantly, shutting down operations which contribute no tax revenue to the citizens of the Commonwealth is important in stabilizing and maximizing revenues at the tax-producing Pennsylvania licensed casinos.”
Information about the Local Law Enforcement Grant Program is available under the Gaming tab on the Board’s web site homepage at pgcb.state.pa.us.
(PGCB)