Online Poker Bill in Pennsylvania Fails
HARRISBURG, Pa. (Associated Press) - Legislation that would expand casino-style gambling to airports, bars, off-track betting parlors and casino-run websites is stalling in Pennsylvania's House of Representatives.
The House soundly defeated two separate proposals Tuesday, as lawmakers look to resolve a yawning state government budget deficit without raising taxes.
The bills would have devoted slightly more than $300 million to public school employee pension obligations, although there's no guarantee that its provisions would actually deliver that amount of money.
Both bills would have made Pennsylvania the fourth state to allow online casino-style gambling, while allowing Pennsylvania's licensed casinos to station slot machines at six international airports and off-track betting parlors.
One of the bills would have allowed video gambling at bars, taverns and truck stops. The bills' prospects in the Senate are cloudy.
