Posted: | October 9, 2014 12:41 PM |
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From: | Representative P. Michael Sturla |
To: | All House members |
Subject: | Resolution opposing Federal Restrictions to Online Gaming |
Next week, I will introduce a resolution urging Congress to oppose legislation restricting states’ rights to enact legislation establishing online gaming within their borders. Currently, three states (Nevada, Delaware and New Jersey) have enacted laws permitting online gaming. Additionally, other states, including New York, are looking to enact online gaming. There are several policy arguments supporting legalization by the Commonwealth. The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board has the ability to establish an accountable and responsible regulatory structure through Licensed Operators to a form of gaming which is currently operating illegally with no consumer safe guards. Without this structure, law enforcement will have limited to no ability to do their job to protect Pennsylvania consumers in an illegal billion dollar industry. Additionally, there are economic benefits the Commonwealth will realize through the establishment of a regulated and controlled form of online gaming. These include increased tax revenue and enhanced positive economic impacts to the various communities hosting licensed facilities. While we may not agree on the issue, the underlying point is we as elected representatives in this Commonwealth have the right to debate this issue without undue restrictions from the Federal Government. Please join me in cosponsoring this important piece of legislation. |
Introduced as HR1095