Jun. 28, 2016
HARRISBURG – House Gaming Oversight Chairman Rep. John Payne (R-Dauphin) today issued the following statement in response to House passage of a comprehensive gaming measure (
House Bill 2150), which would regulate interactive gaming in Pennsylvania, provide strong protections for consumers and increase state revenue:
“Today’s bipartisan vote is the first step toward ensuring Pennsylvania consumers can safely participate in interactive gaming. Right now, Pennsylvanians who are playing these games online are at risk for fraud and abuse, and it’s nearly impossible to prevent children from gambling online or to protect problem gamblers. This legislation is needed to safeguard our children, our problem gamblers and our gaming consumers. Without it, we are only allowing the ‘wild west’ atmosphere that currently exists to continue.
“Members of the Gaming Oversight Committee have participated in more than 50 hearings on these gaming issues; it’s been thoroughly vetted and the proposal that passed today is a result of information and testimony gathered at those hearings. I believe we have developed a comprehensive and fair approach, and I hope the Senate and the governor will agree to make this legislation a priority as we head toward the June 30 budget deadline.
“Regulating and taxing interactive gaming in Pennsylvania is a viable option that would benefit the state and our communities. Before we ask the taxpayers to fork over more of their hard-earned money, we must consider innovative revenue sources to fill our budget shortfall and keep our public pension system solvent.”
House Bill 2150 now awaits consideration by the Senate.
Representative John Payne
106th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Abbey Haslam
717.260.6222
ahaslam@pahousegop.com
RepPayne.com