In addition to horse betting online at portals like TwinSpires, the legal sports betting industry offers horse racing and harness racing at several racetracks and off-track betting parlors (turf clubs, such as South Philadelphia Turf Club, or other OTB facilities) across the state.<\/p>\n
\u2b50 Legalization Timeline<\/h2>\n
Sports betting in Pennsylvania was legalized even before the Supreme Court struck down PASPA. Like many other states, Pennsylvania was looking to reduce the budget deficit with the additional tax revenue from Pennsylvania sports bettors, and heated discussions revolved around the tax rate and licensing fees. It was a long process before the first bet was placed online.<\/p>\n
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2015:<\/strong> Representative Rick Kotik introduces H 1627 to the Pennsylvania House, and Rep Matzie spearheads resolution H 619 to Congress.<\/li>\n
2016:<\/strong> House Gaming Oversight Committee passes H 619. However, the resolution does little to change Pennsylvania law at this point.<\/li>\n
Jan 2017:<\/strong> Rep. Rob Matzie introduces H 519 to back up Kotik’s H 1627. Meanwhile Rep. Jason Ortitay introduces H 217. <\/li>\n
Apr 2017:<\/strong> House signs off on H 519, but the legislation is put on hold until Christie vs NCAA is resolved.<\/li>\n
Sept 2017:<\/strong> Matzie’s provisions are added to H 217 during the sixth revision.<\/li>\n
Oct 30th 2017:<\/strong> Gov. Tom Wolf signs H 217 legalizing online gambling in Pennsylvania.<\/li>\n
May 2018:<\/strong> The United States Supreme Court repeals PASPA, leading several states to greenlight sportsbooks.<\/li>\n
2018:<\/strong> Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board prepares a launch date for gaming on mobile devices in PA.<\/li>\n
May 2019:<\/strong> SugarHouse Sportsbook becomes the first sportsbook to accept online wagers on the Pennsylvania betting market.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n