It's fine to talk about parental responsibility: Clearly, the greatest blame rests squarely with any adult who leaves a child outside a casino. Under state law, first-degree misdemeanor charges for child endangerment can bring up to a five-year jail sentence.
That should be enough of a deterrent for most levelheaded parents and guardians. That's why making tots-in-lots a felony - as suggested by two state lawmakers from Bucks County - isn't necessary.
But there's something else at work with any gambler who would leave a child unattended: They're pursuing a habit that's sanctioned by state officials who, in raking in millions for the Pennsylvania treasury, are eager partners with casino owners. And the casinos' success depends upon keeping gamblers riveted to their slot machine or craps table as long as possible, even if junior is broiling in his car seat outside.
Since the casinos are not dealing with rational customers, it is up to the operators and the gaming board to do more to prevent the continued endangerment of children.
At the very least, Parx officials need to take the promised added steps that include installing more parking-lot surveillance cameras, increasing security patrols, and encouraging patrons to report children left in cars.
If such steps prove inadequate by virtue of yet another incident, though, the Gaming Control Board will need to order, or even fine, Parx to force stronger measures and better vigilance.
Parx officials say they can't easily screen each vehicle upon arrival because there are five entrances to the parking lot and children are permitted at the adjoining racetrack. But perhaps nothing less will be fail-safe.
Not taking stronger action leaves any casino operator ripe for a legal claim if a child dies or is injured. That's why casino operators elsewhere in the state likewise can't be complacent just because none of their patrons has been caught leaving a child in a parking lot.
As the number of problem gamblers grows - and that's sure to happen when SugarHouse Casino opens in the city this month - more children will likely be put at risk of becoming innocent victims of Pennsylvania's growing gambling habit.
