Pennsylvania Closer To Allowing Bar GamblingState Senate Passed Bill On Monday To Give Establishments Games |
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Lawmakers in the state of Pennsylvania briefly flirted with the idea of Internet gambling, but they decided instead to focus on an initiative that had far more interest and perhaps was more lucrative — at least immediately.
Internet poker, for example, needs liquidity, and a site catering to residents of only one state wouldn’t generate too much revenue. Hence, states with legal web poker are looking to partner.
On Monday, the Pennsylvania Senate passed a measure that will allow bars and taverns across the state to apply for a license to offer raffles and other small scale forms of gambling games. Business owners had been pushing the plan for awhile now.
According to Philly.com, the taxes on the news games are expected to generate $156 million annually if 2,000 bars obtain the licenses and start offering such games.
The legislative efforts officially amended the Local Option Small Games of Chance Act of 1988.
Monday’s vote was 34-15 in favor of the bill.
The House approved similar legislation last week by a margin of 102-96.
Pennsylvania is currently the nation’s second largest gambling market, behind only Nevada. Around a year ago Pennsylvania overtook the state of New Jersey in terms of casino gaming revenue. New Jersey though will soon have gambling on the Internet.
The state has around a dozen casinos at the moment, with more on the way.
Right now, some developers are competing for the right to build a brand new Las Vegas-style casino in Philadelphia. Recently, Steve Wynn’s Wynn Resorts backed out of its plans there.
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