Bill Seeking To Protect Pennsylvania's Internet Poker Right IntroducedHouse Resolution No. 140 Takes Aim At RAWA |
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The state of Pennsylvania is looking at legalizing and regulating online poker within its borders at a time when the federal government is considering a nationwide ban on real-money online gambling. To prevent a hairy situation from arising, Keystone State lawmakers are pushing a separate proposal to protect its rights as a state to decide its gambling industry fate.
The measure was introduced this week as anticipated.
House Resolution No. 140, which, although related, is a separate measure from the online poker bill that was introduced last month by Rep. John Payne.
The Resolution aims to get “the Congress of the United States to defeat H.R. 707 and
any other legislation which would prohibit states from authorizing and conducting Internet gaming.” H.R. 707 is the federal proposal from a Utah lawmaker that has been dubbed the “Restoration of America’s Wire Act.” It’s backed by billionaire casino owner Sheldon Adelson.
“A federal prohibition against Internet gaming would directly and negatively impact Pennsylvania by foreclosing the future potential of Internet gaming to generate tax revenue, to create economic and employment opportunities, including high-tech software jobs, and to foster valuable business ventures for Pennsylvania casinos,” the Resolution in Pennsylvania stated.
According to research from Morgan Stanely, U.S. online gaming could reach $5.2 billion in size by the year 2020, if Pennsylvania, along with others, have it legalized in time. Pennsylvania online poker could be worth up to $129 million annually once it reaches maturation.
The Coalition for Consumer and Online Protection (C4COP) issue a statement in support of the efforts in Pennsylvania: “We applaud the numerous cosponsors and supporters of this resolution for standing up for the economic interests of their state and for their efforts to ensure Pennsylvania has a safe and well-regulated gaming industry. We thank these legislators for asking that states maintain the responsibilities that they have exercised so capably for generations.”
Pennsylvania is home to the nation’s second largest non-tribal gaming industry. There are 12 casinos in the state right now. Pennsylvania first legalized casinos about a decade ago. Online gaming is especially attractive for the state since there is increasing competition in neighboring states. Pennsylvania’s brick-and-mortar casino industry actually contracted in 2014.
Here’s a look at House Resolution No. 140:
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