Diamond Calls for Ed Gainey to Resign from Gaming Control Board

September 29, 2026

HARRISBURG – Because of a criminal investigation underway involving former Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey’s administration, Rep. Russ Diamond (R-Lebanon), Republican chairman of the House Gaming Oversight Committee, is calling on Gainey to resign from his position on the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.

Gainey, who served as Pittsburgh’s mayor from 2022-26, was appointed to a two-year term on the Gaming Control Board in February. Last week, an unsealed warrant and comments from Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen Zappala shed light on an ongoing investigation into the potential corruption and the alleged use of no-bid contracts to reward Gainey’s supporters.

“As the regulator of a multibillion-dollar industry in which the Commonwealth is a major stakeholder, the Gaming Control Board needs to stay above the fray in any type of potential scandal. That includes taking every possible step to avoid the appearance of impropriety,” Diamond said.

As reported by Pittsburgh’s ABC affiliate, Zappala described an investigation that started a year ago based on the possible misuse of credit cards for purchasing. WTAE further reported that Zappala is examining whether the contracts benefited those with ties to Gainey at a time when the city faced significant financial challenges. 

The 10-person Gaming Control Board seeks to protect the public’s interest through the regulated gaming industry, which includes slots games, sports wagering and internet-based gambling.

“No one is passing judgment on Commissioner Gainey. Rather, I simply believe this investigation might cast shade on the board at a time when we may be assigning it new and expanded duties that will impact the lives of thousands of Pennsylvanians,” Diamond said. “Those hardworking people deserve a regulatory agency they can put their full faith and trust in.”

“I believe it only prudent that Commissioner Gainey step away from his role at the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board at this time,” he added.

No criminal charges have been filed to date in the probe of Gainey’s administration.


Representative Russ Diamond
102nd  District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Jennifer Fitch
717.260.6563
jfitch@pahousegop.com
RepDiamond.com