Chances Rise for Regulated Sports Betting in Pennsylvania

Representative for the 45th Legislative Distinct, Nick Kotik joins the battle for regulated sports betting in Pennsylvania.

After New Jersey, Pennsylvania might join the fight for the legalization of sports betting. Nick Kotik, the Democratic chairman of the House Gaming Oversight Committee insisted that sports betting in Pennsylvania is in need of regulation, which would also “provide [Pennsylvania based] casinos with an alternative form of entertainment.”

The future of regulated sports betting in Pennsylvania

“Sports betting is extremely popular in this state, yet it is going unregulated,” stated Kotik to US gambling news. Accordingly, he is preparing to introduce a legislation that would legalize sports betting in Pennsylvania. By his plans, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board would be in charge to craft the in-state requirements and rules.

The lawful presence of casino games such as slots and table games is pretty new in Pennsylvania. Kotik says that “this bill is a direct reflection of the gamut gaming runs and why expanded forms should be considered." The bill needs an exemption under the ‘Sports Protection Act’ which prohibits placing wagers on both professional and amateur sport events anywhere in Pennsylvania.

Alternatively, Kotik is working on legalizing slot machines within terminal boundaries at Pennsylvania based airports. Namely ‘House Bill 1408', would allow six international airports to install slots on their territory. The number of slot machines will be limited and placed at secure areas like the spaces after Transportation Security Administration checkpoints.

Airport slot machines for development

“Electing to play a slot machine while waiting to board a flight translates back into real help for the state," outlined Kotik. He plans to use the machines’ income for the revitalization of the airports and to raise the salary of the airport stuff. "This is our chance to stay ahead of the curve," denoted Kotik.