Confusion remains over Pennsylvania online gambling bill

Pennsylvania’s House of Representatives has voted to further debate a bill that would legalise online gambling in the US state, despite having rejected efforts to pass the legislation in the same hearing.

First introduced last year by State Representative John Payne, HB 649 pushes for the regulation and legalisation of online gaming to existing licence holders in the state, under a similar framework currently being used in New Jersey.

During a hearing yesterday (Tuesday), the House voted 107 to 81 against the bill, but a motion to reconsider the ruling was immediately filed and approved by a larger majority.

The decision will allow for further debate on the bill, with discussions expected to focus on the various amendments that have been made to the legislation.

Although all of the amendments have not yet been made available to view online, it was revealed that amendment 7619 caused confusion in relation to video gaming terminals (VGT).

Payne said the amendment did not feature VGTs, despite an earlier amendment which was voted down prior to the submission of 7619, including VGTs.

The House is due to meet again today (Wednesday) to discuss the proposed bill.

Related article: Payne says Pennsylvania online gaming bill will not pass this year