Lawmakers are currently looking at several pieces of legislation on the subject of online gaming in the state of Pennsylvania, with several options on the table. The state seems to be close to sealing the deal so to speak when it comes to iPoker, and two state representatives are giving their opinion on the matter. Representative Nick Kotik and Representative John Payne published an op-ed at PennLive to discuss why the state needs online gaming.
Chairman of the House Consumer Affairs Committee, Payne, has a bill on the table and along with Kotik, feel as though the option to offer iGaming is a no-brainer. In the post, the two discuss why it makes no sense to have unregulated online gaming taking place in the state and to sit by and watch the income loss from the industry. Players are unprotected as well when you consider the offshore gaming sites.
In the report, the two representatives point out that the Legislative Budget and Finance committee of Pennsylvania have estimated that if offered, online gaming could provide as much as $307 million in revenues for the casinos in the state. Annual taxes were estimated at $113 million.
Pointing out that online gaming attracts a younger audience, the players who enjoy televised poker gaming and blackjack, it is important for the state to stay with the times. Online gaming sites have the opportunity to draw players in, who will then take part in live tournaments at the casinos. These players would otherwise never have set foot inside the state’s casinos.
Both Payne and Kotik believe their bill will offer the proper regulations that will allow online gaming to work in the state. The technology already exists as Delaware, New Jersey and Nevada all offer online poker gaming without issue. The representatives believe Pennsylvania can do the same and benefit greatly from moving online with their gaming offerings.
Both Payne and Kotik believe regulating the industry within the state will be a win/win for residents as well as the state. With legislative approval and regulation, Pennsylvania would be able to regulate an industry that already exists as well as provide funding for the state, all the while keeping casinos competitive with neighboring states.
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