Despite being shelved in 2015, Pennsylvania online gambling is still up for consideration and is due for legislative action this spring.

Chairman of the House Gaming Oversight Committee and sponsor of the Pennsylvania online gambling bill Rep. John Payne predicted that HB 649 will be approved in July.

“Look, we need revenue,” Payne told triblive. “They’re not going to find votes for (higher) taxes in an election year. So I would think gaming will be a component.”

Based on Payne’s research, more than $120 million could be earned within the first year that online gambling is in operation. The online gambling industry is expected to help the state’s budget deficit, without raising taxes and would help shore up revenues for the state’s casino industry.