Momentum is building in Pennsylvania for the passing of an online gaming expansion bill in 2017.

After iGaming legislation passed in the state’s House of Representatives in 2016, the action stalled in the Senate, as they didn’t take up the issue. This year, though, Senate members are already discussing a framework for iGaming legislation.

Sen. Mario Scavello, chairman of the critical Senate Community, Economic and Recreational Development Committee, recently told the Tribune-Review that he expects an iGaming bill to pass the House and Senate in March.

“It looks like online gaming has the support to pass,” Scavello said.

Senate Minority Leader Jay Costa has already announced his intentions to introduce legislation that would legalize online gaming and daily fantasy sports in the Keystone State.

Costa’s early proposal would accomplish three things:

• Legalize internet gaming and Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) in the state
• Re-enact the slot machine gaming local share provisions declared unconstitutional by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court
• Authorize the State lottery to increase revenues for senior citizen programs paid out of the state lottery fund

In the report by the Tribune-Review, Costa told reporters that legalizing online gaming represents the natural progression of gaming in the Keystone State.

“To some degree, both (iGaming and DFS) are already present, particularly in fantasy sports. What we’re doing is regulating it,” he said. “I think the people of Pennsylvania believe this is something that’s appropriate right now.”

While it appears likely that iGaming will pass, it could come at a cost for DFS operators.

If Costa’s proposal moves forward, it includes a $2.5 million licensing fee and 25 percent tax on revenue from DFS operators. For comparison, Florida is also considering a DFS bill that would include an initial license application fee of $500,000 and an annual renewal fee of $100,000.

Over on the House side, Rep. Rosita Youngblood has been a strong supporter of iGaming legislation in recent years. Youngblood plans to co-sponsor legislation in this session which builds upon what was passed last year, according to Bill Thomas, Executive Director of the Representative’s office.

Thomas added that Youngblood is “cautiously optimistic” about the prospects of online gaming this year after seeing the early movement in the Senate.

John Pappas, Executive Director of the Poker Players Alliance, shares the optimism of Pennsylvania lawmakers saying the PPA believes an online gaming bill will be passed this year.

“With Pennsylvania, it’s always been a when, not an if,” he said.