Online gambling has been a hot topic of discussion in the state of Pennsylvania as legislators try to find a way to meet a state budget shortfall. On Tuesday, a bill that would see online gambling legalized within the state was passed by the House with a vote of 114-85. The measure covers online casino gaming as well as online poker.
The legislation will now move to the state Senate to be considered and if successful, the bill would then head to Governor Tom Wolf’s desk to hopefully be signed into law. The process of trying to legalize online gaming has been ongoing in the state for several years with the budget shortcomings now seeing the option take center stage.
Representative John Payne stated that within the state as many as 50 meetings/hearings have taken place within the past year and a half on the subject. The activity finally seems to be making headway and all eyes are now on the state to become the next in the US to offer online gaming options.
The legislation was missing a provision that had been previously added to allow slot machines to be offered within the state. Casinos were not happy with the provision and a compromise was reportedly made that would only allow the slots to be added to off-racetrack betting parlors as well as airports.
The only operators to be allowed to offer online gaming in the state would be the existing brick-and-mortar casino operators, but partnerships can be made with firms including international operators of online poker sites. The casinos would be taxed 16% for online operations and the state would be able to earn licensing fees which will be based on the number of casinos who show interest in offering online gaming.
On top of allowing online casino game play, the measure would also put regulations in place for the daily fantasy sports industry. Five percent of DFS revenues would go towards the state. Contests offered by DFS operators will be limited to professional sports only.
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