Online gambling proposal will have another chance in Pennsylvania
The House legislators will take another look at Rep. John Payne’s proposal on June 6th.
US.- Lawmakers in Pennsylvania’s House will examine again an online gambling proposal on June 6. The House shut down the online gambling bill late last month by a 107-81 vote, despite pleas for ‘yes’ votes from Rep. John Payne, who sponsored the Internet casino plan.
Pennsylvania is facing a budget crisis, which is why the state is looking at other forms of gaming expansion along with online casino games. The debate about whether the gaming reform package should allow more slot machine-like games, called video gaming terminals (VGTs), throughout the state, is the reason why the online gaming bill lacked support, as both issues have become completely intertwined. Pennsylvania casinos are mostly in favour of online gaming, but they are opposed to a wide range of establishments such as taverns, bars, social clubs and volunteer fire halls obtaining the VGTs.
At May’s hearing, Payne declared that he has held 47 meetings and hearings for online gaming over the past year and a half. If the House passes the proposal on June 6, the Senate would also have to approve the bill and then it would need the governor’s signature.
