Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB266

Introduced
2/20/25  

Caption

In administration and enforcement, further providing for list of persons self excluded from gaming activities and for prohibited acts and penalties.

Impact

If enacted, SB266 will have significant implications for how the gaming industry in Pennsylvania operates concerning responsible gaming practices. The law will empower individuals who choose to self-exclude from gambling, offering them a layer of protection from marketing pressures that can lead to problematic gambling behaviors. The requirement for frequent updates to the self-exclusion list aims to enhance the effectiveness of responsible gaming strategies across licensed facilities. Additionally, operators found in violation of these provisions could face substantial fines and criminal penalties, thus emphasizing compliance and accountability within the industry.

Summary

Senate Bill 266 aims to amend Title 4 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, specifically addressing the management of individuals who voluntarily exclude themselves from gaming activities. The legislation requires licensed gaming entities to maintain updated lists of self-excluded persons and prohibits any direct advertising or marketing communication from being sent to these individuals. It outlines the responsibilities of gaming operators to not just maintain these exclusion lists but also ensure that self-excluded persons cannot access promotional offers, complimentary services, or redeem points earned prior to their self-exclusion decision.

Sentiment

The sentiment around SB266 appears to be largely supportive among advocates for responsible gaming and consumer protection. Proponents argue that the legislation strengthens safeguards for vulnerable individuals by preventing unwanted marketing exposure, thereby fostering a healthier gaming environment. Conversely, some stakeholders within the gaming industry may express concerns about the financial implications and potential increases in operational burdens as they implement these measures. Overall, the debate underscores a commitment to prioritizing player welfare in a competitive market.

Contention

Notably, there may be contention regarding the enforcement of these provisions and the balance between promoting responsible gaming while allowing the industry to thrive. Some opponents might argue that such restrictions could impede business growth and innovation within the gaming sector. Additionally, questions about the resources required for effective implementation may arise. The bill underscores a critical conversation about the role of state regulation in curbing gambling-related harm against the backdrop of economic interests in the gaming sector.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA A3689

Authorizes Division of Gaming Enforcement to participate in national self-exclusion list for gaming activities, and to create necessary forms for participation.

PA S2055

Authorizes Division of Gaming Enforcement to participate in national self-exclusion list for gaming activities, and to create necessary forms for participation.

PA S2331

Permits civil liability against casinos and simulcast facilities for reckless indifference or intentional misconduct toward persons self-excluded from gaming activities.

PA A2560

Permits civil liability against casinos and simulcast facilities for reckless indifference or intentional misconduct toward persons self-excluded from gaming activities.

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 A550

Allows problem gamblers to request placement on Division of Gaming Enforcement's list for self-excluded persons through division's website, by mail, or in-person.

PA HB1141

In revenues, further providing for taxes and assessments; adding provisions relating to local gaming terminals by providing for general provisions, for administration, for application and licensure, for operation, for enforcement and for revenue; imposing the local gaming terminal tax; establishing the Local Gaming Fund; providing for ethics; in riot, disorderly conduct and related offenses, further providing for the offense of gambling devices, gambling, etc.; in Commonwealth services, establishing the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Programs Fund; prescribing penalties; and making appropriations.

PA SB808

In lobbying disclosure, further providing for definitions, for registration, for exemption from registration and reporting, for prohibited activities, for administration and for penalties; and making an editorial change.

PA SB75

Further providing for prohibited acts and penalties.

PA HB377

Further providing for prohibited acts and penalties.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.