Pennsylvania is a state with twelve brick-and-mortar casinos and a visible hole in their tax revenue. But it appears they do not want to use internet gambling to fill that hole. However, looks can be deceiving.
Las Vegas Sands Corp. CEO Sheldon Adelson funded a survey to determine whether Pennsylvania wanted online gambling. The survey though, essentially gave no other alternative than for the voter to vote no. The most influential question that made people choose no was concerning whether they wanted their children to have access to gambling via the Internet.
John Payne, on the other hand, is doing what he can to legalize online gambling in Pennsylvania. He feels online gambling will not only help the twelve brick and mortar casinos in the state, but it will also fill in approximately $68 million in tax deficit in the first year alone.
The state Senate commissioned a study to see what would help the gambling industry in Pennsylvania. According to The Morning Call, “The study said Pennsylvania could help its casinos stay competitive if it offers online gaming, lowers tax rates, offers tax credits, lets gamblers drink after 2 a.m., reduces the number of state troopers providing security during off-peak gambling hours and allows casinos more freedom to pick which vendors it uses.”
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