Sean Logan Made Impression On Little one Security and PA Playing Growth

Pennsylvania Gaming Management Board Commissioner Sean Logan stepped down on July 5 and can be a part of the Pennsylvania Turnpike Fee in 2023. His time period on the gaming board was set to run out on the finish of 2022. Logan exited on a excessive observe. On July 19, the PGCB reported that Pennsylvania casinos set a brand new file for playing income with $5 billion. Logan performed a key function in bringing on-line casinos and sports activities betting to the state, which powered the large 12 months. The numbers show the wholesome progress of the playing trade in PA and introduced in $114 million in tax {dollars} for the state.

For Logan, it isn’t nearly numbers. Serving on the board has been about relationships, overseeing playing enlargement, and growing security measures for unattended youngsters at casinos.

His true legacy would be the security of youngsters

Throughout the PGCB month-to-month assembly in July, Logan was introduced with a decision for his service.

Board Chair Denise Smyler praised Logan’s practically six years of service:

“Whereas Sean’s legislative expertise and perception into the intent behind many points of the Gaming Act was invaluable, maybe what he’ll most be remembered for his ardour is defending children. For a few years, we’ve had an issue of fogeys leaving children unattended in vehicles, lodge rooms, and elsewhere whereas they performed at casinos.”

“Sean appropriately acknowledged that now we have been very lucky that this has not resulted in a tradgecy at a PA on line casino. Whereas nobody needs to see this occur, nobody was extra keen about this situation than Sean. Due to him, I consider each operator within the Commonwealth, our employees, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the native police, are far more centered on this situation. That will likely be his true legacy to this board.”

Playing enlargement in Pennsylvania

PlayPennsylvania interviewed Logan about his time as Commissioner on the Pennsylvania Gaming Management Board. This interview has been edited for size and readability.

Whereas serving within the Pennsylvania State Senate, Logan voted for the unique Gaming Invoice. In 2017, Logan resigned from the Turnpike Fee and joined the gaming board. Logan was appointed to the board by State Sen. Jay Costa.

What was it like becoming a member of the Pennsylvania Gaming Management Board throughout this era of playing enlargement in Pennsylvania? 

Logan: We underestimated how a lot success there can be. Between the income, the quantity of tax {dollars} generated and the sheer variety of workers at casinos…we underestimated it. It’s been a beautiful five-and-a-half 12 months watching this trade evolve.

I’ve been concerned in numerous organizations and the management and the employees on the PGCB are top-of-the-line. As a board member and a tax participant, it provides me numerous consolation to know that the employees is phenomenal. Kevin O’Toole (Govt Director) and the entire employees do a beautiful job and it was nice to observe the enlargement.

Pennsylvania was one of many first states to launch on-line casinos and sports activities betting. You didn’t have the luxurious of taking notes from of different states. How did you even start to get it off the bottom? 

Logan: For me, it was placing the belief in Kevin O’Toole, the management, and the employees. It was daunting as a board member to consider. We had been involved about whether or not or not if we had been going to get it proper. There was fixed communication with the employees about recommending the most effective practices and greatest insurance policies.

The mission of the PA Gaming Management Board

What has saved you on the board for six years? 

Logan: There is no such thing as a different board like this. There are Republicans and Democrats and gubernatorial appointees. All people checks that on the door and you might be seven people with the identical mission: to make this trade profitable and shield the Commonwealth and the taxpayers. It’s additionally about recognizing the casinos are our companions. We would like them to thrive and cling to our guidelines.

Parkinson’s however no pulling again for Logan

In 2017 at 47 years outdated, Logan was recognized with Parkinson’s. Since then, he’s helped elevate consciousness of the illness.

“After a Parkinson’s analysis, one can pull again and really feel sorry for themselves – or they’ll get motivated.” What continues to encourage you?

Logan: Of us who know me perceive that “pulling again” is definitely not in my make-up. I get motivated day by day to kick the shit out of Parkinson’s. Not just for me, however for my children, and everybody else’s children who has Parkinson’s.  Parkinson’s sucks however it may be beat. It’s a day by day battle however you cannot let it get the higher hand on you.

Unattended children at PA casinos

Kids left unattended in vehicles and lodge rooms at Pennsylvania casinos have been an ongoing drawback. Every month throughout board conferences, numerous individuals land on the involuntary exclusion checklist for leaving youngsters alone, often in a automotive in order that they’ll gamble. Logan has been passionate and chronic in his line of questioning concerning the incidents.

Casinos have elevated their efforts to observe and mitigate the problem.

Valley Forge On line casino and Wind Creek On line casino introduced the PGCB with multimillion-dollar plans to detect youngsters left alone on the property and in parking heaps. Additionally, elevated signage reminding dad and mom/guardians to not go away youngsters unattended is current and visual and extra casinos.

Logan: How within the hell will we clear up is? The unlucky half for me is we didn’t clear up it. We’ve got made large headway however we didn’t clear up it. We’ve got people rowing in the identical path now and created consciousness across the situation.

I’ll by no means perceive it, which makes it so laborious to resolve. You’ll be able to’t legislate or regulate parenting. It’s by the grace of God that nothing tragic has occurred. We’re gonna run out of our good luck right here the place a child will get kidnapped or worse.

A well-known street

Previous to becoming a member of the PGCB, Logan served as a commissioner of the Pennsylvania Turnpike from 2013-17 and was chair from. January 2015 to February 2017.

Logan’s time period on the PGCB was set to finish in late 2022. In Could 2022, Gov. Tom Wolf nominated Logan for open board place on the PA Turnpike place. PA Senate unanimously confirmed the appointment in late June.

“There are points on the Turnpike I’m as passionate and emotional about and I’m wanting ahead to being again.”

Favourite Turnpike exit? 

Logan: Monroeville. Exit 57. It means I’m coming dwelling.

Lead picture: Logan third from left. Picture c/o Sean Logan.