Fourth Pennsylvania egaming bill imminent
Senator Sean Wiley issues memorandum to the Senate to drum up support for comprehensive gambling legislation that includes an online poker carve-out Â
A fourth bill seeking to legalize internet gambling looks set to be introduced in Pennsylvania after a memorandum was distributed to lawmakers in the Senate in a bid to drum up support. [private]
Senator Sean Wiley said he would be introducing âcomprehensive legislationâ that includes a carve-out for online poker and fantasy sports in the near future to âmove the Commonwealthâs gaming industry forwardâ.
The bill is the fourth piece of egaming legislation to be tabled in the state this year, but is the first to come out of the Senate with the others being introduced to the House.
Under the bill, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board would only be able to legalize online poker after conducting a study into the impact it would have on land-based operators.
Online poker would be available to play in the state no sooner than 1 January 2017, while license fees would be set at $500,000 and tax rates at 36% of gross gaming revenue.
The bulk of tax revenues would be used to fund a school-district property tax freeze for senior citizens, while a smaller amount would be used to promote the stateâs horse racing industry.
In addition, the first $10m of online egaming tax revenues would be used to fund a casino investment grant program for a five-year period.
Senator Wileyâs legislation would also allow land-based casinos to conduct fantasy sports competitions in a bid to increase foot traffic at venues, but sports betting would remain illegal.
Pennsylvania is the frontrunner to be the next state to pass egaming legislation this year with three bills already in play.