Pennsylvania State Senator Edwin Erickson has announced his intention to introduce a new bill that has the potential to bring regulated online poker to the US state.
Erickson confirmed that State Bill 1386 would be rolled out in the coming weeks.
“In the next few weeks I intend to introduce Senate Bill 1386, legislation that would authorise interactive gaming in the form of online poker,” Erickson said.
“A recent study from the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee found that internet gaming is a large new source of revenue that the Commonwealth could explore. This means more revenue to assist in the reduction of real estate taxes.”
The Compatiblepoker.com website reports that the new bill will set gross gaming revenue at 14%. This percentage would be lower than the current rate in New Jersey but higher than Nevada – two states where some form of online gaming is already regulated.
A ‘bad actor’ clause in the bill will exclude those players that violated the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006.
The bill will only allow for the regulation of online poker, with internet casino gambling remaining absent for the time being.
“Many Pennsylvania residents participate in illegal and unregulated poker sites,” Erickson said.
“Establishing a strong regulatory framework under the Gaming Control Board will assist in shutting down these illegal sites and enhance consumer protection for our gaming residents.”
source : www.igamingbusiness.com
