Pennsylvania passes RAWA opposition bill

Pennsylvania House Gaming Oversight Committee has passed a bill that encourages the US Congress to vote against HR 707, also known as the Restoration of America’s Wire Act (RAWA).

The short title of HR 140, which urges Pennsylvania’s federal delegation to oppose RAWA, states: “A Resolution urging the Congress of the United States to defeat H.R. 707 and any other legislation which would prohibit states from authorising and conducting internet gaming.”

Republican Congressman Jason Chaffetz tabled RAWA in February, which seeks to re-amend the 1961 Wire Act, where a prohibition was placed on certain types of betting businesses.

Casino operator Las Vegas Sands Corporation CEO Sheldon Adelson, whose Coalition to Stop Internet gambling lobby group wishes to place a blanket ban on online gambling in the US, was reported to be behind the bill.

RAWA would ban most forms of online gambling, with the exception of horse racing and fantasy sports.

A similar bill was introduced by Lindsey Graham last year, but did not receive a hearing.

Three separate bills attempting to legalise online gambling have been put forward in Pennsylvania this year, and a public hearing on the matter is scheduled to be hosted by the House Gaming Oversight Committee on Thursday.