Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB696

Introduced
2/21/25  

Caption

In Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, further providing for regulatory authority of board and for number of slot machines.

Impact

If enacted, the bill establishes a framework where the board retains greater control over the number of slot machines, preventing significant reductions that could adversely affect the gaming market's stability in Pennsylvania. This could potentially safeguard the economic interests tied to gaming operations, preventing loss of revenue to both the state and local municipalities. It reinforces the idea of regulating gaming facilities systematically, ensuring that these establishments remain vibrant and profitable within the legal framework set by the state.

Summary

House Bill 696 is a legislative measure that amends Title 4 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes regarding the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board's regulatory authority and the management of slot machines in licensed facilities. The bill introduces provisions that allow an employee of the board to approve or deny requests for decreases in the number of slot machines at these facilities, specifically limiting such decreases to no more than 2% of the total number of machines operational at the time of the request. This aims to maintain a minimum operational threshold, which would protect gaming revenues and ensure availability for patrons.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 696 appears to be cautiously optimistic among its supporters, primarily within the gaming industry and regulatory circles, who perceive it as a necessary step to balance economic interests with responsible gaming regulations. However, there may be some apprehension regarding the implications of stringent regulations on business flexibility. Critics might voice concerns over reduced local control and the broader economic impacts of maintaining high operational thresholds in facilities that might be struggling.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding HB 696 could arise in discussions about the balance between state regulation and local governance, as well as the potential impact on individual gaming facilities' operational decisions. There may be debates about whether the 2% limitation is too restrictive or whether it effectively prevents harmful market fluctuations. Additionally, stakeholders might express differing views on how this bill aligns with future developments in Pennsylvania's gaming industry and overall economic health.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA SB666

In Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, further providing for regulatory authority of board and for number of slot machines.

PA SB840

In Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, further providing for regulatory authority of board and for number of slot machines.

PA SB756

In fantasy contests, further providing for definitions, for general and specific powers of board and for prohibitions; in general provisions relating to gaming, further providing for legislative intent and for definitions; in Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, further providing for Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board established, for general and specific powers, for license or permit application hearing process and public input hearings, for regulatory authority of board, for number of slot machines, for reports of board and for license or permit prohibition; in licensees, further providing for Category 4 slot machine license, for divestiture of disqualifying applicant, for manufacturer licenses, for gaming service provider, for nongaming service provider, for occupation permit application, for slot machine testing and certification standards, for slot machine accounting controls and audits and for renewals; in table games, further providing for regulatory authority and for table game device and associated equipment testing and certification standards; in interactive gaming, further providing for internal, administrative and accounting controls, for interactive games and interactive gaming devices and associated equipment testing and certification standards; in sports wagering, further providing for definitions; in revenues, further providing for slot machine licensee deposits and for transfers from State Gaming Fund; in administration and enforcement, repealing provisions relating to political influence, further providing for investigations and enforcement, for prohibited acts and penalties and for liquor licenses at licensed facilities; in fingerprinting, further providing for submission of fingerprints and photographs; in miscellaneous provisions relating to gaming, providing for live-streaming on casino floor and further providing for severability; in general provisions relating to video gaming, further providing for definitions; in administration, further providing for powers of board; in application and licensure, further providing for key employee licenses, for establishment licenses and for license or permit prohibition; in operation, further providing for video gaming limitations and for compulsive and problem gambling; in enforcement, further providing for prohibited acts and penalties; in revenues, further providing for fees; in ethics, repealing provisions relating to political influence; providing for skill gaming; establishing the Skill Gaming Fund; imposing duties on the Department of Revenue; in riot, disorderly conduct and related offenses, further providing for gambling devices, gambling, etc.; in forfeiture of assets, further providing for asset forfeiture; making appropriations; making repeals; and making editorial changes.

PA HB1173

In Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, further providing for enforcement.

PA HB1823

In revenues, further providing for establishment of State Gaming Fund and net slot machine revenue distribution.

PA SB1235

In Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole, further providing for Pennsylvania Parole Board.

PA HB2046

In revenues, further providing for establishment of State Gaming Fund and net slot machine revenue distribution; providing for skill video gaming; imposing duties on the Department of Revenue; and imposing a tax and criminal and civil penalties.

PA HB154

In voting machines, further providing for examination and approval of voting machines by the Secretary of the Commonwealth, for requirements of voting machines and for preparation of voting machines by county election boards.

PA HB735

In nomination of candidates, further providing for casting of lots for position of names upon the primary ballots or ballot labels and notice to candidates; in ballots, further providing for form of official election ballot and providing for order of candidates on the ballot; in voting machines, further providing for demonstration of voting machines; and, in Pennsylvania Election Law Advisory Board, providing for ballot order randomization study.

PA HB1587

Gaming - Operation of Electronic Instant Bingo Machines and Report by State Lottery and Gaming Control Agency

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.