HARRISBURG, Pa., June 3 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice Max Baer today said the citizens of the Commonwealth are relying upon the leadership of new Gaming Control Board Chair Gregory C. Fajt to continue the tremendous growth and strict oversight of the new slots casino industry.

Justice Baer made the comments after swearing in Fajt as the third Chairman of the Board at the start of today's public meeting. Fajt was named Chairman by Governor Edward G. Rendell after serving for the past two years as the Governor's Chief of Staff. He will serve a three-year term.

Baer said Fajt's choice to be Chairman is a tribute to his integrity and collegiality that is universally recognized in state government.

"Greg gets the highest compliments from those he deals with because he is always honest, above board and accessible," Justice Baer said.

Fajt, who served two years as an ex officio member of the Gaming Control Board when he was Secretary of Revenue, said assuming the Chairmanship was like coming home to continue service he started in 2004.

"When I served during the formation of this agency, I always said that the staff assembled to take on the task of starting a new industry such as gaming was second to none," Fajt said. "As I return, what has been accomplished by this Board and staff in just four years is nothing short of amazing."

Fajt noted that the accomplishments include the opening of eight successful casinos that have collectively already produced $1.5 billion in tax revenues that are being returned to Pennsylvania homeowners, assisting local governments who host casinos, and saving the horse racing industry.

"In a downturned economy, gaming companies have also come into Pennsylvania at just the right time, thus far creating over 7,000 family sustaining jobs," Fajt added.

Also today, Kevin O'Toole, an experienced gaming regulator in both New York and New Jersey, attended his first Gaming Control Board meeting. O'Toole was selected by the Board in April as the second Executive Director of the agency and began work this week after completion of an extensive background investigation.

In comments to the Board, O'Toole thanked the Board for the opportunity to serve, lauded Frank Donaghue for his service as Acting Executive Director for the past year, and said he looks forward to using his deep industry expertise to help with the continued growth and stringent oversight of legalized slots gaming in the Commonwealth.

    CONTACT:    Doug Harbach or Richard McGarvey    (717) 346-8321

SOURCE Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board