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Pennsylvania State Rep. John Payne introduced a bill Wednesday that would legalize Internet gambling in what is the 6th most populous state in the U.S.
Payne acts as the chairman of the House Gaming Oversight Committee and has already scheduled various hearings to explore ways to expand gambling in the state.
"We looked at the fact that Jersey has it, Delaware has it, Las Vegas has it," Payne said. "It would be a mistake for Pennsylvania to sit here and wait until Ohio has it, Maryland has it, New York has it, and we're the last ones coming to the game. We've got to be up and running and be able to compete with the surrounding states."
Projected Pennsylvania tax revenues in the first year of Internet gambling are $120 million.
Neighboring New Jersey began offering legalized online gambling in late 2013 but, thus far, the results have failed to meet expectations.
- Gilbert Horowitz, Gambling911.com
