Online gambling bill passes Pennsylvania committee

The Pennsylvania House Gaming Oversight Committee has passed Bill HB649 unamended.

Sponsored by chairman of the committee John Payne, the bill would legalise igaming and allow existing Pennsylvanian bricks and mortar licensees the opportunity to apply for an online license at a cost of $5 million.

The bill made a surprise appearance on the Committee agenda having sat on the sidelines since March.

“With the passage of H.B. 649, the House Gaming Oversight Committee has proven their commitment to providing Pennsylvania residents with a safe and regulated place to play online poker within their own borders,” John Pappas, executive director of the PPA said.

“It is our hope that the legislation will be enacted on its own or as part of the state’s 2016 budget by the end of this year.”

Under the proposed bill customers would need to be within State lines to play and be over 21 years of age.

Vendors seeking licenses would have to pay $1 million while a 14 percent tax rate on gaming revenue would be levied.

The proposal additionally allows slot machines at state racino off-track betting locations and slots gaming at six Pennsylvania’s international airports.

The bill still needs to pass a full House vote to progress to the Senate.