Slots Investors Serve on Pa. Nonprofit Boards

At least 20 people who serve on the boards of large nonprofit organizations and public agencies in Pennsylvania have financial interests with groups that are pursuing licenses for slot-machine parlors in the state, reports The Associated Press.

Some nonprofit groups that oppose the construction of new casinos and other gambling venues say the dual roles may make their own work futile. “It makes me feel as though my efforts . . . are not taken seriously because of the people in government and the nonprofit sector who have an interest in seeing slots move forward,” said Jethro Heiko, a co-founder of the Neighbors Allied for the Best Riverfront, in Philadelphia.

But others argue there is no conflict of interest. James Kenney, a city councilman in Philadelphia, says the presence of the slots investors in leadership positions has not kept the city from protecting local neighborhoods.