The first time I saw these things I thought the same thing as Sen. Browne.

While the traditional card game is banned at Pennsylvania casinos, where table games are forbidden, state gaming regulators have approved its electronic counterpart.

The machines — which allow five patrons to simultaneously play blackjack — have rapidly become one of the most popular pastimes at the state’s fledgling slots parlors, leading casino operators and slot machine manufacturers to consider expanding their virtual offerings to other card games.

But some lawmakers say the virtual card games should never have been allowed and are asking the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board to remove them.

‘‘This was not the intent of the law,’‘ state Sen. Pat Browne, R-Lehigh, said of the law legalizing slots. In addition to asking the board to remove the machines, Browne is circulating legislation calling for their prohibition.