While it's a long shot, state Rep. Michael C. Gruitza showed he's a player by rolling the dice and submitting a letter to the House leadership saying his Shenango Valley district has shown an interest in riverboat gambling.

The 7th District Democrat from Hermitage noted a riverboat could draw gamblers from out-of-state markets such as Akron, Canton and Cleveland.

The state Senate recently passed a measure that would allow slot machines at horse tracks but doesn't seek riverboat gambling. The measure is expected to go before the House this week where many expect additional forms of gambling may be added to the bill.

Since the area has no racetrack there's nothing in the Senate bill that would benefit the Shenango Valley, Gruitza said.

What will happen to the bill when it gets to the House is anyone's guess, Gruitza said. In the end though, politics rules.

"Ultimately, it will have to come down to a bill the governor will agree to and one that will be able to get a vote in both chambers,'' he said.

James E. Winner Jr., chairman of Sharon-based Winner International, has for years privately told friends he would like to build a riverboat casino in the area. When asked about his interest in riverboat gambling in a recent interview, he said such talk was "premature.''