GAMBLOR: Gaming Chair Quits After Picking SugarHouse, Takes Cushy Job At Law Firm That Represents SugarHouse — How Is This Legal?

HARRISBURG, Pa. – Tad Decker, who oversaw the birth of the state’s slot machine industry as the first chairman of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, said Wednesday he is leaving the job after one term to return to his former law firm.

Decker, 61, will step down Aug. 9 to take over as president and chief executive officer of Philadelphia-based Cozen O’Connor. Decker was the firm’s managing partner three years ago when Rendell, his college pal, appointed him chairman of the fledgling agency.

Cozen O’Connor is no stranger to the state’s gambling industry: The firm is representing two slots casino licensees, Mount Airy Resort & Casino in Mount Pocono and SugarHouse Casino in Philadelphia, in financial transactions. It also represented an Indian tribe that sought unsuccessfully to lay claim to land near Easton in a bid to open a casino.

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