Pennsylvania's push to legalize online gaming has been dealt a blow after a new bill that sets out plans to ban the sector was introduced in the US state.

Filed by State Representative Thomas Murt, the 'Banning Internet Gambling in Pennsylvania Act' was first unveiled in January and has so far gained four co-sponsors.

Should HB 801 succeed, it would amend state law involving the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board to ensure that the body "shall not promulgate rules and regulations allowing any form of internet gambling".

The bill also sets out measures to punish those caught offering online gaming to punters in the state, including a fine of up to $300 (€282) for a first offence, a $600 fine and three days in prison for second-time offenders, and up to one year in jail and a fine of $2,000 for offences considered a third-degree breach.

Pennsylvania is one of a number of states considering whether to legalize online gaming, and the Pennsylvania House Gaming Oversight Committee is due to hold a hearing on the various gaming bills that have been put forward on March 28.

Industry analyst Robert DellaFave recently published a white paper that said casinos in the state could generate a collective $230 million in online gambling revenue during the first year of a legalised market.

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