SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
Facing increased state deficits, Pennsylvania state representative Nick Kotik yesterday introduced draft legislation to allow sports betting wagering in licensed casino enterprises.
The draft legislation proposed by Kotik mirrors similar policies to those proposed by New Jersey lawmakers in 2014, which were rejected by US high courts for breaching Professional & Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) federal laws
Representing Pennsylvania interests, Kotik stated that the state would only look to introduce the laws if federal laws were overturned. At present PASPA laws allow sports betting in the states of Nevada, Montana, Delaware and Oregon.
Kotik, Democratic chairman of the House Gaming Oversight Committee, had told local media in September that he wanted Pennsylvania to react quickly if the laws were to change and allow sports betting in licensed premises, allowing for the creation of much needed new tax revenue channels.
This introduction comes at an interesting time,” Kotik said in a statement. “While our state budget remains in limbo, I would welcome further discussion on bridging a compromise plan with expanded forms of gaming.”
In need of raising state revenues, Republican lawmakers are eyeing expansion of casino services within Pennsylvania. Party representatives have moved to prioritise gambling expansion as key agenda for state revenue discussion
