Lawmakers in the state of Pennsylvania voted against the proposal for allowing the introduction of slot machines and video gaming terminals at airports. The proposal was first introduced at the start of the year, in January. The idea came as part of the attempts for gambling expansion on the territory of Pennsylvania and sought to permit both foreign and American travellers to spin the reels at the three largest international airports in the state.
The House Bill № 271 failed to pass since there were 112 votes against and only 79 votes in favour of the proposal. However, since legislators unanimously proclaimed their support in favour of introducing various amendments to the bill, it was re-reported for further consideration.
A separate proposal, House Bill № 110, was introduced at the end of March 2017 and aimed at providing taverns and bars on the territory of Pennsylvania with the opportunity to offer their customers video gambling machines and slots, in particular. The idea was to regulate this sector of the gambling industry and prevent drinking establishments from offering illegal, unlicensed and untaxed slot machines. However, this proposal was met with strong disapproval on behalf of landbased gambling establishments.
Ten out of twelve brick-and-mortar gambling establishments on the territory of the state have spoken in favour of enforcing regulations on online gambling, which seemed the most viable course of action for the gambling expansion in Pennsylvania. Despite the enthusiasm of brick-and-mortar casino operators based within the Keystone state, an interactive gambling bill cleared a House vote in 2016, only to die later on in the Senate.
A regulated online gambling sector would allegedly bolster the gambling industry within the state, give revenues a boost, and help eliminate the competition from neighbouring states. Even more so, considering Pennsylvania ranks as the second biggest gambling market in the United States but its revenues from this sector have remained flat at about $3 billion per year for the past six years.
While regulating online gambling and issuing licenses to web-based casino operators will allegedly fix the local share tax problem, the other two proposals in regard to slot machines at airports and the introduction of video gambling terminals have done nothing to further the industry’s expansion on the territory of Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania lawmakers appear to be reluctant when it comes to approving all gambling expansions that have been proposed so far, which explains why reviewing the additional proposals have taken so much time. Nevertheless, a decision needs to be reached as Pennsylvania legislators are currently sitting on three different proposals in regard to interactive gambling. Deciding which proposal to enforce is key to Pennsylvania staying in competition as other states are also looking to introduce similar gambling expansions.
- Author
Olivia Cole
