Pennsylvania passes egaming and DFS bill
 HB 2150 would tax and regulate both activities with a provision for sportsbetting if it becomes federally regulated
The Pennsylvania House of Representatives has passed a bill to legalize online gaming and daily fantasy sports (DFS).
HB 2150 was approved by 114-85 votes on it third consideration on Tuesday, and has now gone to the state Senate for approval.
If approved by the Senate, it will be presented to the Governor of Pennsylvania for signing into law.
The bill allows licensed casinos in Pennsylvania to apply to the gaming board to operate casino-style gambling on websites, much like in New Jersey.
Mobile gambling apps would also be allowed, albeit only accessible in Pennsylvaniaâs international airports. Proceeds from online gambling would be taxed at a 14% rate to the state and 2% towards âeconomic development projectsâ. App gambling would face a significantly higher burden with tax rates at 34% to the state and 20% to the airport.
Elsewhere, DFS in Pennsylvania would become regulated and taxed, with operators required to apply to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board for a license and pay a 5% tax based on in-state participation. The bill also includes a clause for sports betting, allowing casinos to apply for an online or offline license should it become legal under federal law.
The state is looking to fill a $1bn black hole in its budget and believes gambling can raise around a quarter of that.
âThis approval is a significant step in support of continued regulation of internet gaming in America,â said Dermot Smurfit, CEO of GameAccount Network, which provides RMG and F2P platforms in the US.
âWe are delighted to welcome yesterdayâs approval of HB 2150 by The House of Representatives in Pennsylvania, long-anticipated to become Americaâs fourth state to regulate internet casino gaming.â
GAN already has social platform deals in place with several Pennsylvania casinos and now plans to transition to RMG in the state.