Tom Wolf’s office has not said whether he would support an even bigger expansion of gambling to bars, but noted the Senate bill’s projections fall short of the revenue goal he has set for a gambling expansion. Such a provision is seen by proponents as the biggest money-maker for the state, but is expected to get pushback from casinos, which fear losing gambling dollars in the deal. There, Republican majority leaders are seeking support for legislation to allow slot machine-style gambling in thousands of bars, truck stops and fraternal clubs.
However, the measure faces a thorny path in the House. The vote capped months of closed-door negotiations, and the bill had support from top Senate Democrats and Republicans. The bill passed the Republican-controlled chamber 38-12 roughly 24 hours after the measure became public. It also would allow online gambling parlors in airports, regulate and tax online fantasy sports games and revive a requirement struck down by the courts last year that casinos pay millions of dollars a year to local governments. The bill would make Pennsylvania the first state to allow both its casinos and state lottery to take their games to online audiences. HARRISBURG – Legislation to allow an expansion of casino-style gambling and lottery play to the internet in Pennsylvania passed the state Senate on Wednesday, as lawmakers look for ways to heal the state’s deficit-ridden finances by capturing new and younger gamblers.
