Lawmakers Discuss Gambling Expansion in Pennsylvania

Gambling expansion in Pennsylvania could help to balance the state’s 2016-17 budget deficit.

The majority of Pennsylvania lawmakers are open to expanded gambling, if it’s executed in a responsible way, said House speaker Mike Turzai. Pennsylvania is facing a huge budget deficit for the 2016-17 fiscal year, which is sought to be balanced without increasing the income tax, considering it’s election year. According to US gambling news, legislators are considering to license 24,000 video gaming terminals in 6,000 locations. Representative Mark Mustio believes, that the gaming terminals would provide substantial revenue for both the state and small businesses.

Gambling expansion in Pennsylvania could create a win-win situation

Meanwhile, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board released its report on table game revenue in May. “Revenue from the play of table games at the 12 Commonwealth casinos during May of 2016 was up 6.9% over revenue generated for the same time period last year,” announced the Board. Table generated USD 71 million in May, USD 4,5 million more that in May 2015. The resulting tax revenue was USD 10 million.