Pennsylvania could pass online gambling bill

The expectations that Pennsylvania’s online gambling bill can see the light next year are still high. The House Bill 649 could bring the online gambling legislation to Pennsylvania once and for all. HB 649 was introduced by Rep. John Payne at the beginning of last year (in February of 2015), although this has not been the only bill that has tried to bring some common sense to the table. Payne stated that the main purpose of the online gambling legislation is the revenue that this marker would create, a tool that would help the state to cut the pension deficit. However, HB 649 has not been the subject of the recent debates in Pennsylvania even though many advocates continue pushing the state government demanding a new online gambling reform.

State Rep. John Payne as well as advocates and lawmakers continue supporting the fact that an online gambling legislation is the only measure to protect consumers as well as to cut the state’s deficit. Payne stated: “Legalizing, regulating and taxing interactive gaming in Pennsylvania should be given due consideration before any broad-based tax increases. Is not it the right thing to do to protect our children and compulsive gamblers? It hasn’t changed, we are still hopeful 649 crosses the finish line.”

However, the fight for online gambling legislation has made a drastic turn when it became a whole gambling reform. The concern now is not only online gambling casino games and poker rooms; Daily Fantasy Sports has been added to the list too. This coming month of June, Pennsylvania will hold a hearing to follow on the Daily Fantasy Sports matter, which could be the last step to give HB 649 the green light.