Online Casino Transfer: News - Pennsylvania Expands Gambling

01/26/2010		Online Casino Style: News Pennsylvania Expands Gambling
Home History Games News Dictionary		Surprising many in the online gambling community, the conservative state of Pennsylvania has expanded the rights and availability of gambling within the region’s borders. The state legislature just passed new law that will allow classic games such as poker, blackjack and their table game cousins back into casinos, a change pushed through largely due to the government's desperation for tax funds. Consequentially, many in the internet gambling world are eagerly watching to see what kind of reflection is made on neighboring states, which will likely have to follow suit to avoid losing business. Though typically thought of as one of the more conservative states, (especially in the east) Pennsylvania now stands out in the casino and gambling world, as one of the few to offer more than just slot games in venues. Though experts are estimating as much as six months could easily pass before implementation, the change is already causing big ripples, most notably in New Jersey’s Atlantic City, where casino operators are concerned they might lose even more business, having already resigned to the pressures that online casinos apply. Fourteen different Pennsylvanian casinos will be affected, as the Pennsyvanian House of Representatives approved the bill by a vote of 103 to 89, passing the introduction of table games into law. It was a party-fight, however, as only 12 Republicans voted for the bill, and a mere 10 Democrats against. In the Senate, the split was close as well, with a total of 28 votes for and 22 votes against the measure. It will not only help existing betting casinos, but the Mason Dixon-Resort and Casino has already announced their intention to open another location, close to Gettysburg. Finances were the motivating factor in the decision, as Governor Ed Rendell would have been forced to lay off as many as 1,000 employees if the bill hadn’t passed. As it stands, however, the tax funds raised by the casinos will make up for much of the existing deficit in tax funds. Casinos will be allowed to have as many as 250 table games, while resorts can host 50 games, provided they pay the state licensing fee of $16.5 million and $7.5 million, respectively. The first two years will see all the games taxed at 16 percent, before dropping to 14 percent thereafter.

01/26/2010

Online Casino Style: News
Pennsylvania Expands Gambling

Surprising many in the online gambling community, the conservative state of Pennsylvania has expanded the rights and availability of gambling within the region’s borders. The state legislature just passed new law that will allow classic games such as poker, blackjack and their table game cousins back into casinos, a change pushed through largely due to the government's desperation for tax funds. Consequentially, many in the internet gambling world are eagerly watching to see what kind of reflection is made on neighboring states, which will likely have to follow suit to avoid losing business.

Though typically thought of as one of the more conservative states, (especially in the east) Pennsylvania now stands out in the casino and gambling world, as one of the few to offer more than just slot games in venues. Though experts are estimating as much as six months could easily pass before implementation, the change is already causing big ripples, most notably in New Jersey’s Atlantic City, where casino operators are concerned they might lose even more business, having already resigned to the pressures that online casinos apply.

Fourteen different Pennsylvanian casinos will be affected, as the Pennsyvanian House of Representatives approved the bill by a vote of 103 to 89, passing the introduction of table games into law. It was a party-fight, however, as only 12 Republicans voted for the bill, and a mere 10 Democrats against. In the Senate, the split was close as well, with a total of 28 votes for and 22 votes against the measure. It will not only help existing betting casinos, but the Mason Dixon-Resort and Casino has already announced their intention to open another location, close to Gettysburg.

Finances were the motivating factor in the decision, as Governor Ed Rendell would have been forced to lay off as many as 1,000 employees if the bill hadn’t passed. As it stands, however, the tax funds raised by the casinos will make up for much of the existing deficit in tax funds. Casinos will be allowed to have as many as 250 table games, while resorts can host 50 games, provided they pay the state licensing fee of $16.5 million and $7.5 million, respectively. The first two years will see all the games taxed at 16 percent, before dropping to 14 percent thereafter.