If baby needs a brand new pair of shoes, you’re still going to need to attempt to win the cash for them in a Pennsylvania casino or the nightly state Lottery drawing.

The House on Tuesday rejected separate amendments that might have drastically expanded when, where and the way adults could wager within the state.

Both amendments would have legalized online gambling and fantasy sports, provided the activities were run by the state’s licensed casinos.

The first amendment failed 122-66. It could have allowed online game slot machines at taverns, bars, social clubs and volunteer fire halls.

The second bill — rejected 107-81 — would have allowed slots at airport terminals and off-track horse betting sites.

For months, the Republicans who control the home and Senate had supported expanded gambling because the best strategy to raise needed state tax revenue rather than the tax increases sought by Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf.

This being an election year, Republicans and lots of Democrats won't vote to lift sales or personal income taxes, that are key to Wolf’s budget proposal. Nor do many lawmakers wish to cut programs or services.

None of the expanded gambling options would have closed the state’s $1 billion-plus deficit. But they'd have helped with negotiations.

Now, each side are going to must get a hold of a revised gaming package that passes muster with lawmakers and special interests — or find in a different way to near the state’s funding gap within the 2016-17 fiscal year that starts July 1.

The state’s 12 licensed casinos are split on whether to legalize online gambling. Some — like Mohegan Sun Casino, outside Wilkes-Barre — support it. Others — like Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem — oppose all of it. casinos are united of their rejection of more slot machines, fearing it's going to cannibalize the business.

More at Morning Call

Similar Stories from This Week in Gambling:

Read More... [Source: Online Gambling Stories – This Week in Gambling]