Casino board wants answer to kids left in cars

Associated Press

HARRISBURG, Pa.

The Parx Casino in suburban Philadelphia has stepped up patrols and added security cameras in its parking lot to combat the problem of adults leaving children unattended in vehicles while they’re gambling, company officials told state gambling regulators Thursday.

Several members of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board said tougher penalties may be the only answer, and Chairman Gregory Fajt said the board will follow up with law- enforcement officials.

“Parental responsibility is paramount here. ... This segment of the population just doesn’t appear to get it, and these folks need to be given a message, whether it’s incarceration, significant fines, whatever it is,” Fajt said.

Board member James Ginty suggested that the Legislature enact stiffer penalties.

“There’s only so much that this board can do. There is, quite frankly, only so much that you can do,” Ginty told Parx chief executive officer Leonard DeAngelo and chief counsel Thomas Bonner. “Sooner or later, one of these kids is going to die.”

Board member Kenneth Trujillo said child- protection agencies should be involved as well as the police.