Pennsylvania House Committee Advances Internet Gaming Bill
HARRISBURG, Pa. (CBS) -- A state House committee on Wednesday advanced a bill that would regulate Internet gambling in Pennsylvania and make other changes to the state gaming law.
Republican John Payne, chairman of the House Gaming Oversight Committee, says the bill is not about authorizing Internet gaming.
"No. Internet gaming is already occurring," Payne says. "We're not authorizing it, we going to regulate it. I want to protect the children and the compulsive gamer."
And, of course, Internet gaming would be a revenue generator for the state. But the bill as approved by committee is wide ranging. Also, among other things, authorizing the state's racinos to put slot machines in off-track betting locations and allowing for slots gaming at six of Pennsylvania's international airports, including Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.
The committee voted down an amendment that would have allowed for video gaming at restaurants, taverns and clubs.