PA House May Reconsider Internet Gambling Legislation
HARRISBURG, Pa. (Associated Press) - Pennsylvania House Republicans are counting votes to see whether there is enough support to revive legislation to expand casino-style gambling to airports, bars, off-track betting parlors and casino-run websites.
Republicans said Wednesday that another floor vote could happen next week. The legislation was defeated last month.
Republicans tout the legislation as a way to generate hundreds of millions of dollars in new gambling taxes to help plug a state government budget deficit without raising taxes.
The legislation would make Pennsylvania the fourth state to allow online casino-style gambling, while allowing Pennsylvania's casinos to station slot machines at six international airports and some of the state's 10 licensed off-track betting parlors.
One provision would allow gambling on video terminals at bars and other locations. Prospects in the Senate are unclear.