iGaming could save Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania authorities may legalise online gaming platforms with the main goal of generating state’s monthly revenues.

US.- Pennsylvania General Assembly is expected to receive a new project to legislate the online gaming industry. The proposal would be introduced this week by State Rep. Patrick Harkins, Democratic legislator and it would be aimed at fixing the financial situation in Erie County. If legislators approve the bill, Pennsylvania will become the fourth state to legislate the iGaming sector, after Delaware, Nevada and New Jersey.

Harkins’ project came after the Supreme Court declared unconstitutional the state’s casino regulation that used to force casinos to pay host communities, including Erie County, 4 percent of slot machine revenue as a “local share assessment.” The Supreme Court set the deadline for May 26 to present an amendment to fix the fiscal conditions for those communities.

After the court’s rule, the government estimated a deficit of US$3 billion by the end of the year, so legislators are pressured to present alternative solutions to reinforce economic plans. Ernie County representatives showed their concerned on the slow treatment of further legislations, considering that it only receives US$11 million from Presque Isle Downs & Casino per year.

The bill would allow local casino and lottery operators to offer the same services through internet platforms in order to collect additional revenues, which would be destined to counties’ public services, such as the police department. “I wanted to make sure to have something ready to go just in case any issues arise,” explained Harkins to The Record Herald.