e Senator Edwin Erickson has declared his intention to introduce an online poker bill in Pennsylvania.

In a co-sponsorship memoranda released last week, the Republican revealed that he planned to introduce Senate Bill 1386 “in the next few weeks”.

The precise details of much of the bill remain unclear but it has been confirmed that it will not include online casino gaming, while the tax rate would be set at 14% GGR.

A ‘bad actor’ clause would exclude those who violated UIGEA in 2006, although the exact reach and interpretation of this restriction are not yet known.

Erickson said: “Many Pennsylvania residents participate in illegal and unregulated poker sites.

“Establishing a strong regulatory framework under the Gaming Control Board will assist in shutting down these illegal sites and enhance consumer protection for our gaming residents.”