Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB2164

Introduced
3/27/24  

Caption

In tavern gaming, further providing for definitions.

Impact

The bill aims to amend existing statutes related to gaming legislation, which could have significant implications for tavern owners and gaming operators. By providing precise definitions, it is expected to reduce legal ambiguities that have historically caused confusion. Consequently, this clarification can lead to more consistent enforcement of gaming regulations across the state, ultimately fostering a smoother and more regulated environment for tavern gaming operations.

Summary

House Bill 2164 focuses on providing clearer definitions in the context of tavern gaming. As this area of legislation is often subjected to differing interpretations, the bill's primary aim is to standardize terminology and categories related to gaming within taverns. This standardization is believed to enhance regulatory clarity and effectiveness, enabling operators and regulators alike to understand their rights and obligations better under current state law.

Sentiment

Sentiments around HB 2164 seem to be generally positive among gaming advocates and tavern owners who perceive the need for clear regulations in the gaming landscape. Supporters argue that the bill is a step towards the professionalization of the gaming sector in taverns, which could potentially enhance revenue streams for businesses and contribute positively to state finances. However, there may also be concerns about ensuring that such regulations do not unintentionally restrict the activities of smaller establishments that rely on gaming for part of their business model.

Contention

While the bill appears to be aimed at clarifying definitions, there may be contention regarding which definitions will ultimately be adopted into law. Stakeholders, including tavern owners, gaming regulators, and advocacy groups, might have differing opinions on the best frameworks to implement. Opponents could argue against any provisions that they feel overreach, infringe on local jurisdictions, or create disparities between larger corporate entities and smaller taverns, especially if limits are set on gaming licenses or operational methods.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB44

In tavern gaming, further providing for definitions.

PA HB2042

In revenues, providing for audits of Pennsylvania Race Horse Development Trust Fund; in administration and enforcement, further providing for investigations and enforcement; in general provisions, further providing for definitions; in administration, further providing for records and confidentiality of information; in application and licensure, further providing for establishment licenses, for license or permit prohibition, for issuance and renewal and for conditional licenses; in operation, further providing for testing and certification of terminals and for video gaming limitations, providing for hours of operation and further providing for terminal placement agreements and for compulsive and problem gambling; in enforcement, further providing for investigations and enforcement; in revenues, further providing for distribution of local share, for regulatory assessments and for transfers from Video Gaming Fund; in ethics, further providing for political influence; in riot, disorderly conduct and related offenses, further providing for the offense of gambling devices, gambling, etc.; providing for implementation; and making a repeal.

PA HB829

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions;

PA SB1263

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in games of chance, further providing for prize limits, for sales limited, for distributor licenses, for registration of manufacturers and for regulations of department; in club licensees, further providing for club licensee and for distribution of proceeds; in enforcement, further providing for revocation of licenses, for local option and for advertising; in tavern gaming, further providing for licenses, for application, for approval, for prize limits, for distribution of net revenue, for tavern games tax, for invoice, for reports and for enforcement.

PA HB2456

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions.

PA SB450

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in games of chance, providing for payment and further providing for prize limits, for sales limited, for distributor licenses, for registration of manufacturers and for regulations of department; in club licensees, further providing for club licensee and for distribution of proceeds; in enforcement, further providing for revocation of licenses and for local option and repealing provisions relating to advertising; in tavern gaming, further providing for licenses, for application, for approval, for prize limits, for distribution of net revenue, for tavern games tax, for invoice, for reports and for enforcement.

PA HB1050

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in games of chance, further providing for prize limits and for sales limited, providing for pull-tab deals, further providing for distributor licenses, for registration of manufacturers, for regulations of department and for licensing of eligible organizations; in club licensees, further providing for distribution of proceeds; and, in enforcement, further providing for revocation of licenses and providing for other penalties.

PA HB1657

Further providing for title of act, for definitions, for prohibition, for signage, for enforcement, for preemption of local ordinances and for repeal; and making editorial changes.

PA SB681

Further providing for title of act, for definitions, for prohibition, for signage, for enforcement, for administration, for preemption of local ordinances and for repeal; and making editorial changes.

PA SB688

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in Pennsylvania Liquor Stores, further providing for sales by Pennsylvania Liquor Stores; in licenses and regulations relating to liquor, alcohol and malt and brewed beverages, further providing for liquor importers' licenses, fees, privileges and restrictions, providing for ready-to-drink cocktail permit and for authority to acquire ready-to-drink cocktail permits and further providing for distributors' and importing distributors' restrictions on sales, storage, etc, for unlawful acts relative to malt or brewed beverages and licensees, for unlawful acts relative to liquor, malt and brewed beverages and licensees; and, in distilleries, wineries, bonded warehouses, bailees for hire and transporters for hire, further providing for limited distilleries and distilleries.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.