The state's gaming legislation bars high-level casino employees from public office, but does not cover George Matta and his bid for Allegheny County controller.

Despite announcing the bid late last month, Matta is still director of business development and community relations for Rivers Casino on the North Side, and could be heard as late as this morning doing a radio spot for the casino with KDKA-AM's Morning News with Larry Richert.

Sections 1512 and 1513 of the gaming bill bars casino executives (aka, "key employees") from running for office, but Matta is considered to be on a lower management level called "gaming employee" that is not covered by the prohibition, said Richard McGarvey of the Gaming Control Board. Such employees include those, such as Matta, who interact with customers but are not considered upper management or ownership.

Should Matta win the controller race in November and take office in 2012, he will then be forced to leave the casino job, Mr. McGarvey said.

Image via North Pittsburgh Politics