Pennsylvania budget debate continues
Pennsylvania legislators are in favor of a gaming expansion in order to finish the state’s budget discussion.
US.- Gaming expansion could be the solution for Pennsylvania’s budget crisis, as legislators argued. This weekend state’s officials held a session to address the economic situation and finally set this year’s budget. Legislators would discuss the approval of several gaming projects to reach the US$700 million the state needs to end the cash shortfall.
Pennsylvania seeks to set a US$32 billion budget although the government is avoiding to increase general taxes. Therefore, legislators may approve new gaming businesses to compensate the revenue decline. New measures will be evaluated by both chambers and the state’s Governor Tom Wolf.
Among gaming proposals, Pennsylvania could expand its industry with satellite casinos – which would be operated by current licensed operators, as well as daily fantasy sports and online gaming platforms. Furthermore, the state could also grant gaming licenses to hotel, bar, restaurant, truck stop and fraternal club operators. iGaming services would also be available at international airports, whilst new land-based casinos could be constructed.
If the new regulation gets effective, Pennsylvania would become the fourth state to legislate the iGaming sector, after Delaware, Nevada and New Jersey. 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.
