Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board Faces Crisis as Calls Grow for Ed Gainey’s Resignation
This comes as an active investigation into Gainey's administration issues came under light
State Rep. Russ Diamond has called for former Pittsburgh mayor Ed Gainey to step down from the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, arguing that an active investigation into his administration risks undermining confidence in the state regulator.
Diamond, a Lebanon County Republican who sits on the House Gaming Oversight Committee, said the board “needs to stay above the fray in any type of potential scandal” and avoid “the appearance of impropriety”.
Gainey, a Democrat who lost his re-election bid to Corey O’Connor in 2025, joined the board in February for a two-year term.
Probe Deepens around Pittsburgh Contracts
The pressure on Gainey follows the unsealing of a warrant obtained by Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen Zappala Jr.’s office.
According to Penn Live’s reporting of the affidavit, investigators are reviewing records tied to spending, grants and no-bid contracts approved during Gainey’s time in office. The document alleges that the administration “exploited” the no-bid process to steer work to favoured groups and supporters while little was delivered in return.
‘Cast shade on the board’
Diamond said, “No one is passing judgement on Commissioner Gainey”, but added that the investigation could “cast shade on the board” just as lawmakers may assign it “new and expanded duties”.
The affidavit also says one group received more than $10m from the Stop the Violence fund, with investigators finding no paperwork showing how the money was spent or what work was produced.
In July, the Pennsylvania gaming industry passed the $7bn mark for the first time in a fiscal year.
The board also said tax and fee receipts returned to the commonwealth hit a record $3,098,193,583, with the money helping to fund school property tax relief, economic development and agricultural support linked to horse racing.
