PA Poll: 63% Oppose Internet Gambling Expansion as Debate in Harrisburg Heats Up

PA Poll: 63% Oppose Internet Gambling Expansion as Debate in Harrisburg Heats Up

Leading Pennsylvania Groups Wade in as Opposition Continues to Mount

Washington, D.C.— As lawmakers in Harrisburg weigh legalizing Internet gambling,  the Coalition to Stop Internet Gambling today released a new poll by The Tarrance Group showing 63% oppose expanding Internet gambling in the state, with only 35% supporting it. The survey of 500 voters was conducted on February 10-12, 2014.

As public opinion in the state moves against Internet gambling, House Rep. Mario Scavello has introduced a bill that would criminalize online gaming in the state. Rep. Scavello’s legislation establishes online gambling as a summary offense for first-time offenders. A second offense would be classified as a first-degree misdemeanor.

“The fact that the Internet provides both easy access and anonymity makes gambling on the Internet especially pernicious,” said Colin Hanna, president of Let Freedom Ring and a former Chester County, PA Commissioner. “Underage children and compulsive adults could easily spend more money and more time in gambling on the Internet than could ever be accomplished in person at a casino.  It must be stopped before it gets started.”

“Pennsylvania families view Internet gambling as a bridge too far: available 24/7 anywhere, anytime, while offering no protections for children and other vulnerable populations,” said Michael Geer, President of the PA Family Institute. “We need to halt Internet gambling expansion before we lose control.”

A recent Quinnipiac Poll found that 62% of Pennsylvania voters oppose legalizing online gambling.  For more information and other resources on the dangers of Internet gambling, please visit http://stopinternetgambling.com/.

The Coalition to Stop Internet Gambling’s mission is to restore the long-standing federal ban on Internet gambling. It will engage the public and policymakers on the threat posed by Internet gambling.

For more information or to arrange interviews with any of the Coalition to Stop Internet Gambling members in Pennsylvania, please contact Dan Wilson at dwilson@mercuryllc.com

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