May. 24, 2018
HARRISBURG — Rep. Frank Farry (R-Bucks) is calling on the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) to move swiftly in drafting regulations for sports betting in Pennsylvania, following a U.S. Supreme Court ruling last week which allowed states to legalize sports betting.
Farry, who drafted language to legalize sports betting in Pennsylvania last year, said the gaming expansion bill signed into law in October 2017 allowed PGCB to regulate and tax sports betting if there was ever a change in federal law or a Supreme Court ruling, such as the one issued last week.
“Between license fees and tax revenue, sports betting has the potential to be a lucrative revenue source for the budget and priority programs such as education, human services and public safety,” Farry said. “It will also serve as a job creator in the Commonwealth.”
Under state law, existing Pennsylvania casinos could apply for a license to offer sports betting at its main location, a secondary location or online. The cost of the license was set at $10 million, which means the Commonwealth could see up to $130 million in one-time license fees by next fiscal year. Additionally, sports betting would provide long-term revenue to the state via a 34 percent tax on proceeds, as well as a local share fee of 2 percent.
Farry noted that while the Commonwealth got ahead of the curve with the provisional language in last year’s gaming law, the PGCB needs to act swiftly to ensure Pennsylvania benefits.
“Right now, millions of dollars are being wagered illegally on sporting events in Pennsylvania,” Farry said. “We have an opportunity to be on the forefront of a sustainable revenue option that would benefit the state and our communities, and I encourage the Gaming Control Board to act quickly in establishing the necessary guidelines.”
To view a copy of the letter Farry sent to PGCB, visit
RepFarry.com.
Representative Frank Farry
142nd District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Abbey Haslam
717.260.6222
ahaslam@pahousegop.com
RepFarry.com