The Governor proposed a new tax on promotional credit marketing programs, an important tool for casinos that incentivize customers to increase their real money wagering, spur increased visitation and empower casinos to respond to market conditions, customers’ preferences and the broader economic environment. Promotional credit marketing programs in casinos are similar to store coupons, which are used to attract customers to purchase and consume more goods. …show more content…
The AGA believes that taxing Pennsylvania casinos’ promotional credit programs will be an economic deterrent to casinos offering such incentives, and consequently, result in a decrease in patron play and lower tax revenues generated for state and local governments. Increased taxes discourage reinvestment and prevent Pennsylvania casinos from meeting consumer demand, which, as we have seen in other states, leads patrons to seek these the latest gaming products in markets outside of the state. This would hurt Pennsylvania’s burgeoning casino industry and jeopardize jobs and millions in tax revenues.If adopted, Pennsylvania’s policy shift on promotional tax credits would be