HARRISBURG – State Senator Doug Mastriano (R-33) introduced a proposal today that would temporarily divert sports gambling revenue towards property tax relief.
The measure aims to help home owners and families cope with the financial difficulties associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Currently, revenue from sports betting is diverted toward the state’s General Fund.
Mastriano is hoping to re-allocate those funds toward property tax relief.“Pennsylvania home owners already face high property taxes, and the COVID-19 pandemic will only worsen that reality,” said Mastriano.
“With a mandated shutdown of businesses that are not ‘life-sustaining,’ many Pennsylvania families find themselves out of work with no income, and have voiced concern about paying their property taxes,” continued Mastriano.
“It is imperative that we help our citizens now during their greatest time of need, and temporarily re-allocate sports betting revenue toward property tax relief,” he added.
Mastriano noted that when gambling was authorized under the Rendell Administration, citizens were told that revenues would be used to offset property taxes.
There are currently no major sports being contested right now, but an uptick in betting is possible once professional and other athletic contests resume competition.
Mastriano circulated a co-sponsorship memorandum to Senate members Friday.
CONTACT: Scot Andrew Pitzer; spitzer@pasen.gov