Back in June, the House of Representatives in Pennsylvania passed AB 2150, an online gaming bill that would put regulations in place for residents in the state to be able to enjoy casino and poker gaming online. The bill has since sat in the Senate with no movement, and only a few days remain in session this year for anything to be done to the measure. Executive Director of the Poker Players Alliance, John Pappas recently testified on the subject, urging the General Assembly to pass the legislation this year.
The Pennsylvania House Gaming Oversight Committee heard the testimony, where Pappas explained that there is no political justification or policy in which to cause a delay in regulating online gaming in the state. Pappas stated that every day that Pennsylvania goes without regulations in place is another day that consumers are left unprotected and revenues are left on the table.
Pappas urged the General Assembly to take action and to do so with AB 2150. Pappas pointed out that the bill is a good public policy as it allows the state to turn an unregulated marketplace into a system that will be safe for consumers as well as hold regulators accountable. Regulation for online gambling will mean that trusted and known gaming companies will be able to provide entertainment in Pennsylvania which is what citizens of the state want.
The state already approved $100 million in new revenues to come from a gambling expansion, that includes online gaming, but no legislation has been passed to authorize the activity. The state is counting on the money and action must be taken to ensure funds for the budget. Pappas stated that the PPA finds it puzzling as to why as to why the activity has yet to be authorized based on the budget passage.
The full testimony by Pappas can be read here.
100% up to $3,000 Bonus
Bovada is our most recommended ONLINE CASINO and POKER ROOM for US players with excellent deposit options. Get your 100% signup bonus today.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.