HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — The Pennsylvania House of Representatives is backing a measure to expand gambling to the internet and airports, but it rejected a more sweeping expansion of casino-style gambling to bars.
The measure passed, 115-80, in a preliminary vote Wednesday to allow gambling on websites and in airports. It also would regulate daily fantasy sports betting. An earlier vote to also authorize slot-machine-style gambling in thousands of bars failed by 37 votes.
Proponents say it would raise up to $270 million in license fees and taxes in an 11th-hour attempt at scrounging cash to help balance a deficit-plagued state budget.
A final vote was possible Thursday, just seven days until Pennsylvania's fiscal-year deadline. Its prospects are unclear in the Senate and Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf's support isn't guaranteed.
Three other states allow online gambling.
Associated Press