You'll soon be able to perfect your poker face at Pennsylvania casinos.
The state House of Representatives voted 103-to-89 Wednesday in favor of a bill that allows table games at the Commonwealth's slots parlors.
Gov. Ed Rendell, who's been a huge proponent of the move, plans to sign the measure into law Thursday.
The law lets larger casinos install 250 tables, while the smaller resorts casinos can have 50.
That means you'll be able to play real poker, blackjack and craps at Harrah's in Chester, Parx Casino in Bensalem and Sands in Bethlehem.
"It's gonna be absolutely wonderful," said one player as he pulled the slots at Parx.
Casinos like Parx and Harrah's have been using electronic card games with virtual dealers as a workaround since they've opened.
"Table games will be welcomed," said gambler Jack Gallen. "We like them, we like them live...acutally like being able to talk to somebody and see what's going on."
Politics
The electronic games will be ditched for the real deal in six to nine months, state gambling regulators said.
The proceeds -- which could top $250 million just from table games alone -- are needed to help pay the state's bills as the recession continues to ravage state tax collections. Rendell threatened to layoff 1,000 workers if the measure wasn't passed.
The legalization of table games in the Keystone State is sure to be another blow to Atlantic City, N.J. gaming halls. The seaside resort has seen its stronghold on gambling dwindle over the past few years -- posting double-digit revenue decline for the past two years in a row.
