New standalone video gaming bill could complicate legalisation in Pennsylvania

Video gaming terminals, a subject of some sensitivity and opposition from land casino owners in Pennsylvania which created confusion and havoc in online gambling legalisation attempts last year (see previous reports) are back in focus this week following the introduction of a standalone bill proposing that limited numbers of the machines be permitted in non-profit clubs.

The fear is that Representative Anthony DeLuca’s HB469 could end up rolled into the omnibus gaming expansion bill (HB392) introduced last week, again complicating the legalisation of online gambling and daily fantasy sports.

DeLuca’s new bill echoes the measure last year which caused so much dissension and confusion among House lawmakers, although DeLuca is proposing that implementation be restricted to non-profit clubs as he tries to de-fang the issue.

The Representative claims that his solution addresses the cannibalisation fears of land operators, helps to close the state budget deficit gap, and supports non-profit clubs.

Our readers may recall that amid the confusion caused last year by the introduction of an alternative VGT bill whilst the omnibus HB2150 was in progress, lawmakers voted both bills down. That necessitated clarification and a re-vote in which the VGT bill was rejected but the House gave a strong approval to the omnibus bill, sending it to the Senate where it ran out time due to an apparent lack of interest.

The Senate is reportedly not keen on VGT expansion, and observers have said that it has little chance of success; therefore any suggestion that it may be included in this year’s omnibus bill should be closely watched as a potential poison pill.

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