Bill Ryan, Chair of the Gaming Control Board, told the House Appropriations Committee Thursday that have not discussed online gaming, preferring to leave that issue to the General Assembly and the Governor.
He did say projections made about participation in Internet gaming by other states have been initially too high. He cited New Jersey where revenues are between $9 million and $11 million a month. He did concede the other issues involving New Jersey’s bricks and mortar casinos may overshadow online gaming.
When asked about the issue of whether the market for gaming is saturated, Ryan said Pennsylvania’s gaming has been stable since 2012, even in light of the competition from neighboring states. He was reluctant to go much further due to issues with pending licenses and related lawsuits.
The Senate begins its hearings on Gov. Wolf’s budget request Monday, beginning with the Governor’s Budget Office and then the Independent Fiscal Office, Department of General Services, Attorney General, State Treasurer, Auditor General, Judiciary, State Police, Homeland Security, Dept. of Drug and Alcohol Programs, Gaming Control Board, State System of Higher Education, Community Colleges.
The House continues its hearing with sessions on: Department of Education, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, Department of Transportation, Department of Labor and Industry, Departments of Health, Drug & Alcohol Programs, State Police/Homeland Security, Dept. Corrections/Board of Probation & Parole, State Court System, State System of Higher Education, Community Colleges, Liquor Control Board.
Written testimony and a video of each hearing will be posed on the Republican House Appropriations Committee webpage.
Testimony Available
Christopher Craig, Acting State Treasurer
