Pennsylvania State Representative John Payne has introduced a new internet gaming bill in the US state in an effort to help boost its casino industry.

The move comes just one day after a series of hearings were scheduled by the state in order to explore ways to expand its gambling and examine regulations.

Although online gaming has only been legalised by New Jersey, Nevada and Delaware, internet gambling bills have been introduced in a number of other states as part of various efforts to regulate such activities on a wider scale.

Philadelphia joins the likes of California, Mississippi and Washington as states that have recently seen online gaming bills introduced.

"We looked at the fact that Jersey has it, Delaware has it, Las Vegas has it," Payne said according to the Philadelphia Inquirer newspaper.

"It would be a mistake for Pennsylvania to sit here and wait until Ohio has it, Maryland has it, New York has it, and we're the last ones coming to the game.

"We've got to be up and running and be able to compete with the surrounding states."

The bill, which would legalise online gaming activities in Philadelphia, has attracted a number of co-sponsors in the state including Nick Kotik, the Democratic chairman of the committee.

Other high-profile individuals in the state's gambling industry, such as Ron Baumann, general manager of Harrah's Philadelphia casino, have also backed the introduction of online gaming.

Speaking prior to the introduction of the new bill, Baumann said: "We believe that it could certainly enhance the overall revenues."

However, Bob Green, chairman of the company that owns Parx Casino in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, said that if the state were to legalise online gaming, it should be done properly.

"If it's to be done, it has to be done right. The first priority must be to protect the bricks-and-mortar casino industry," Green said.

"[Online gaming would have to] be integrated into the existing casino industry and be an extended service within the Pennsylvania customer base."

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