Rep. Kotik introduces Pennsylvania sports betting bill
Tuesday, October 13, 2015 4:30 pm
State Rep. Nick Kotik on Tuesday introduced his promised legislation to allow sports betting at the state’s casinos if the federal law limiting the activity to four states is overturned.
Kotik, D-45, Kennedy Township, Allegheny County, introduced House Bill 1627. Currently, only Nevada, Montana, Delaware and Oregon are allowed to offer sports betting.
Kotik, Democratic chairman of the House Gaming Oversight Committee, said in late September that he wanted to position Pennsylvania to “move quickly” toward sports betting if New Jersey’s challenge of the law in federal court is ultimately successful.
New Jersey has tried to offer sports betting since 2012, but it has lost twice in federal court. The effort has been opposed by the major professional sports leagues and the NCAA.
"This introduction comes at an interesting time," Kotik said in a statement. "While our state budget remains in limbo, I would welcome further discussion on bridging a compromise plan with expanded forms of gaming."
Kotik has also introduced House Bill 1408, which would allow slot machines at six international airports in the state: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Erie, Harrisburg, Lehigh Valley and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.
Tuesday, October 13, 2015 4:30 pm
State Rep. Nick Kotik on Tuesday introduced his promised legislation to allow sports betting at the state’s casinos if the federal law limiting the activity to four states is overturned.
Kotik, D-45, Kennedy Township, Allegheny County, introduced House Bill 1627. Currently, only Nevada, Montana, Delaware and Oregon are allowed to offer sports betting.
Kotik, Democratic chairman of the House Gaming Oversight Committee, said in late September that he wanted to position Pennsylvania to “move quickly” toward sports betting if New Jersey’s challenge of the law in federal court is ultimately successful.
New Jersey has tried to offer sports betting since 2012, but it has lost twice in federal court. The effort has been opposed by the major professional sports leagues and the NCAA.
"This introduction comes at an interesting time," Kotik said in a statement. "While our state budget remains in limbo, I would welcome further discussion on bridging a compromise plan with expanded forms of gaming."
Kotik has also introduced House Bill 1408, which would allow slot machines at six international airports in the state: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Erie, Harrisburg, Lehigh Valley and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.
