Major gambling bill nears vote in Pa. House

HARRISBURG - A bill to legalize table games and authorize two more casinos in Pennsylvania is nearing a vote as lawmakers try to finalize a key piece of the state budget.

A preliminary vote could be held today in the House of Representatives and a final vote could happen as early as Wednesday.

However, the measure still requires Senate approval before it can become law.

The gambling expansion was part of a final budget agreement in October to provide than $300 million in tax revenue to the state in the next two years.

Approval of more than $700 million in discretionary state funding for universities, hospitals and museums is awaiting the bill's passage.

Gov. Rendell says the state can't afford the spending without the additional gambling revenue.