Pennsylvania considers gambling for state budget

Legislators are set to discuss new measures to increase revenue, and gambling could be a great help.

US.- State lawmakers are expected to discuss the budget for the 2017-2018 fiscal year as they only have one week to come up with a solution to close a US$1.5 billion deficit. A gaming expansion in Pennsylvania has emerged as a possible alternative.

Rep. Pat Harkins said that they’re scheduled to be in session all week and probably up until they have something in place. “I’m looking forward to a very busy and productive week,” the official said, as GoErie reported and added that a gaming expansion is on the table to close the deficit. As Pennsylvania has already proposed said initiative, that includes the permission for airports, bars and online platforms to apply for gaming licenses in order to add casino offerings in its services, it is expected some resistance.

Erie County officials are worried that whilst it would be good for the state, the legalization of gaming terminals could pull revenue from land based casinos, which direct money to hosting communities every year. Sen. Dan Laughlin, of Millcreek Township, R-49th Dist, said: “I know the House members that don’t have casinos are pushing pretty hard for VGTs because they want some gaming money in their districts. That’s going to be part of this conversation.”

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.