Pennsylvania edges closer to legalised online gaming

Pennsylvania has taken a step closer to legalising online gambling after the US state’s House of Representatives passed a bill featuring legislation that would regulate internet gambling.

According to various reports, the House voted 102-89 in favour of H 271, which also includes language regarding the legalisation of daily fantasy sports (DFS).

Although the House Rules Committee made a number of amendments to the bill, and it will now be passed back to the Senate, it seems to agree with much of the language featured in the original Senate bill, including legalising and regulating online gaming and DFS.

Both bills also agree on authorising the Pennsylvania Lottery to sell its products online, as well as allowing for tablet gaming at certain airports in the state.

However, the amended House version of the bill sets the tax rate for DFS at 19%, after the Senate agreed on a tax of 12%, while the House bill sets the minimum age of participation for DFS at 18, compared to the Senate’s preference of 21.

The House also added new language related to video gaming terminals (VGTs), which form part of the wider gambling bill.

Under the amended bill, the House calls for as many as five VGTs to be allowed in venues with a liquor licence, with up to 10 at truck stops and off-track betting parlours.

VGTs came under heavy fire during both the House and Senate sessions and some suggest the decision to include language related to such gaming activities could threaten the progress of the bill.

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