Key Takeaways
- Negotiations between lawmakers to pass a plan to fund the state budget (including online gaming) broke down last week.
- The Governor’s alternative plan includes borrowing the required funds to pay for state expenses.
- Since last week, some lawmakers have reportedly warmed up to the idea of imposing a tax on shale gas which could lead to passing a revenue package that includes online gaming as soon as next week.
Pennsylvania presented the brightest hope for the expansion of online gaming in the US this year. However, the collapse of negotiations by lawmakers in Harrisburg last week surrounding funding of the state budget has impeded the path forward for igaming adoption.
An alternative plan for the state to plug its $2.2 billion budget deficit—which does not include online gaming—has been floated by Governor Tom Wolf. However, it seems cooler heads may prevail as talks behind the scenes are expected to resume this week ahead of the legislature officially reconvening next week.
