New Pennsylvania bill offers hope of progress
Details of well-supported bill released with tax rate set at 54% of gaming revenues
Hopes of a regulated online gaming market in Pennsylvania have been raised following the revelation of further details on the well-supported SB900 bill on its introduction into the State Senate.
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SB 900 â the fifth piece of egaming-related legislation to be introduced in the state this year â is sponsored by Senator Kim Ward and co-sponsored by fellow Senators Robert Tomlinson, Elder Vogel and Joseph Scarnati.
It sets out a detailed set of a provisions for online casino and poker operations in Pennsylvania, including a GGR tax rate of 54% and a requirement for in-person registration.
Other less controversial elements state that only current casino licensees will be able to obtain online gaming licenses, which will cost US$10m for five years, and that suppliers and service providers will need to apply for their own separate licenses.
No âbad actorâ provision, seen in other states in an attempt to block operators who took US bets post UIGEA â is included in the billâs language.
The bill will get its first hearing in front of the Senate Community, Economic and Recreational Development Committee tomorrow (Thursday).
It is the second memorandum to be introduced in as many weeks, after Senator Sean Wiley issued a note garnering support for âcomprehensive legislationâ that would legalize egaming and fantasy sports.
Senator Wiley said his effort will be poker only, with license fees set at $500,000 and tax rates at 36% of gross gaming revenue.
Pennsylvania is the frontrunner to be the next state to pass egaming legislation this year with three bills already in play