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Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board Issues New Ethics PolicyThe Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, a gambling regulatory agency, has just established what may be the toughest ethics code in the country. The seven- member gambling board, whose task it will be to choose which gambling venues will be granted licenses to operate, approved the new legislation unanimously."I think it's probably the toughest ethics code in the country, and probably rightfully so, given what we're trying to do here," said member Joseph W. "Chip" Marshall III. The new ethics code, which is a somewhat stronger version of a draft policy presented in October, applies equally to all seven members of the board, as well as to all important gambling board agency employees. According to the new gambling ethics code, all organized political activity by members and employers is not permitted. Gambling board members and employees may not contribute directly to political campaigns, work for political parties or campaigns for specific candidates, or solicit donations to candidates. In addition, the new gambling ethics code strictly monitors members and top employees' contact with gambling operators, lobbyists, and other people involved in the gambling industry. Board members are, of course, strictly prohibited from taking gifts from gambling operators or others connected to the gambling industry, except for those gifts that are worth under $50 and are presented at conferences or similar events, and for gifts of food and drink that are served during industry events that members attend. Gambling board members and their most important aides are also prohibited from working for gambling operators for at least one year after leaving the board. Moreover, board members may not hold any direct financial interest in any of the gambling license contestants, and may not help family members get jobs with the competitors. Also, although gambling board members may serve on the boards of charities and non- profit organizations, they may not solicit donations from gambling operators. Another important aspect of the new gambling board ethics code is that members will be barred from communicating about any aspect of the licensing process off- the- record. The ban is also to apply to the authorities responsible for appointing the board members. Any attempt, by any party, to speak off- the- record with any of the gambling members will be reported to the public. According to the new code, new rules about conflicts of interest will be followed. Members of the public, for example, will be allowed to declare whether they believe that a board member has an interest in a particular applicant, and whether he or she should refrain from voting on that application. Although the choice will ultimately be up to the gambling board member, the allegation and the member's response will become a matter of public record. The task of the gambling board is to issue 14 gambling licenses in three different categories. The board has to choose among 22 applicants.
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