Since last year, the state of Pennsylvania has been viewed as a strong contender to be the next state in the US to legalize online gambling. Bills have been proposed last year as well as this year to see online poker and casino gaming begin in the state and it seems that the possibility of legalized iGaming is on the horizon.
Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf took to Facebook this week to take part in a Facebook Live question and answer session where he discussed numerous topics including how to fight the deficit of the state that continues to increase as well as handle the state budget. The state has already revealed that money will be provided for the state budget via online gambling and an expansion of gaming but legislation has yet to pass.
The current proposed budget for the state includes $250 million in revenues that will be created from gambling law changes, set to be provided over the next year and a half. Yet none of this money will be seen unless legislation is approved.
During the question and answer session, Wolf was asked by the Poker Players Alliance as to if iPoker gaming would be legalized and regulated in Pennsylvania. Wolf answered that he does not know but that real work is being done in the General Assembly that involves what an enhanced gambling industry would look like for the state, including online gambling and possible iPoker.
The state seems to be focused on adding to the gambling industry but ensuring that they do not take away from the existing industry. The state currently has 12 casinos in operation as well as the lottery. Wolf stated to the PPA question that legislators do not want to do anything that would take business away from either casinos or the lottery.
For now a joint committee hearing is in the works for the Senate and House to consider a package that includes gambling provisions. This package does include online gambling.
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