In the court filing, PGCB asks for an emergency review of thecity council's ordinance, which, as GlobeSt.compreviously reported, asks voters in the May 15 primary to decide ona change in the city charter that would prohibit casino developmentwithin 1,500 feet of a residence, school or certain otherneighborhood properties. The PGCB suit petitions the court toremove the referendum from the ballot.

It cites portions of the state's gaming act that give the boardsole discretion over the location of slots facilities. It alsocharges, "the threatened operation of the ordinance causes harm ona statewide basis [and] the referendum has no legal effect becauseit addresses matters of statewide concern beyond the powers of thecity council" under the state constitution.

In a statement, PGCB chairman Tad Decker says "Losses tocitizens due to delays in opening the two Philadelphia slotsfacilities would be $140 million every six months, tax revenuesthat can never be regained." He adds, "Placing this question on theballot is a waste of time and taxpayer dollars."