Pennsylvania becomes fourth state to offer online gambling

The bill was approved by the Senate and the House and is now waiting for the signature of the Governor Tom Wolf.

US.- Pennsylvania legislators have approved the a bill that expands gambling in the state and also allows online gaming. Whilst the Senate vote ended 31-19 in favor of the bill, the House passed it by 109-72 and sent it to Governor Tom Wolf in order to be reviewed and signed.

HB-271 was passed by the Senate on Wednesday night after discussions that included several delays. The House received the bill on Thursday morning and approved it a few hours later, with an imposed tax of 54 percent on online slots revenue, and 16 percent on online poker and casino table games. The bill could generate up to US$239 million in revenue this fiscal year and help close a budget gap that has been taunting Pennsylvania for quite some time now.

Spokesman J.J. Abbott confirmed that Governor Wolf will evaluate the 939 page gaming bill over the next few days: “These bills contain many policy changes and deserve a full vetting and due diligence.”

Pittsburgh International spokesman Bob Kerlik said that the local airport supports the bill as he considers it to be a good way to generate revenue for economic development. “This could also be another amenity for passengers. Any gaming at the airport would be done in a tasteful way. Anticipated revenue would depend on the number of tablets that would be installed and the percentage the airport receives.” Pennsylvania was already the second biggest state in the country only after Nevada, and has now become the first to offer online gambling and online lotteries.

Poker Players Alliance Executive Director John Pappa added that this was a major victory for consumers who have asked the state to step up and provide meaningful protections for years. “The iGaming law will also help create new growth opportunities for the Commonwealth’s bricks and mortar casinos while providing needed revenue for the state budget.”