- This is an update to the Duane Morris Client Alert issued
here.
A second poker-only bill (HB 695) was introduced and referred to the
House Gaming Oversight Committee for review. The two bills
contain many similar provisions but there are two key distinctions
in HB 695:
(1) Unlike the previous bill (HB 649), HB 695 is a
poker-only bill authorizing "any interactive poker game
approved" by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.
(2) HB 695 contains a "bad actor"
provision. The bill calls for a presumption of unsuitability
for any licensee or significant vendor who has:
(1) At any time, either directly or through a third party
whom it controlled or owned in whole or in significant part,
knowingly or willfully: (i) accepted or made available wagers on
interactive games using the Internet from persons located in the
United States after December 31, 2006, unless licensed by a Federal
or State authority to engage in such activity; or (ii) facilitated
or