Pennsylvania politician set to oppose federal internet gambling ban

Sheldon Adelson’s attempts to influence US politics through resurrecting the Wire Act and imposing a federal ban on almost all online gambling could be approaching a new hurdle in Pennsylvania.

Whilst the state legislature seems to have difficulty coming to grips with the legalisation and regulation of intrastate internet gambling (see previous reports), Representative Mike Sturla, a Democrat from Lancaster county, has launched an initiative to prevent federal interference in what he believes is a state right – making intrastate laws on gambling.

Sturla has framed House Resolution 1095 which he intends to place before the state House of Representatives this week urging the Congress of the United States to defeat S. 2159 and H.R. 4301, federal bills by Sen. Lindsey Graham and Rep. Jason Chaffetz supporting Adelson’s quest for a ban by resurrecting and beefing up the 1961 Wire Act.

The Pennsylvanian politician argues that through licensing and regulation his state can accrue much needed financial benefits from online gambling, which is currently legalised in three states with others considering the possibilities.

Sturla points out that the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board has the capability to establish an accountable and responsible regulatory structure through licensed operators to a form of gaming which is currently operating illegally with no consumer safe guards.

“While we may not agree on the issue [of internet gambling], the underlying point is we as elected representatives in this Commonwealth have the right to debate this issue without undue restrictions from the Federal Government,” he concludes.

The Poker Players Association has been quick to support Sturla’s opposition to Adelson’s “Restoration of America’s Wire Act” initiative, issuing a statement which asserts:

“The Pennsylvania legislature has made it clear that they are interested in the possibility of licensing and regulating online gambling in the state; therefore the passage of this resolution is critical to ensure the state has the right to move forward with legislation without unwarranted restrictions from the federal government.”

Will Darling, the PPA’s representative in Pennsylvania waded in as well, commenting:

“It’s infuriating that Congress would consider a federal online gaming ban to deny our state government the ability to ensure consumers are protected online through an established online gaming marketplace with clear and strong state laws and enforcements.”

Related and similar