Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB840

Introduced
6/9/25  
Refer
6/9/25  
Refer
6/11/25  
Report Pass
6/11/25  
Engrossed
6/25/25  
Refer
6/25/25  

Caption

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

Impact

The bill's modifications to the regulatory framework are expected to enhance the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board's oversight of slot machine operations, potentially streamlining the processes involved in the issuance and regulation of gaming licenses. By clarifying these provisions, SB840 could help prevent illegal gaming activities and strengthen the state's ability to monitor compliance within the industry, offering better consumer protection and maintaining the integrity of gaming operations throughout Pennsylvania.

Summary

SB840 aims to modify the regulatory authority vested in the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board regarding slot machines. The bill seeks to provide further definitions and provisions around the number of slot machines that can operate within the state, which is crucial for maintaining control over the gaming industry's expansion and ensuring it aligns with state regulations. This legislation represents an effort to keep pace with the evolving gaming landscape in Pennsylvania, which has seen a significant increase in gambling activities in recent years.

Sentiment

The sentiment around SB840 appears to be predominantly supportive among legislative members in favor of updating and clarifying gaming regulations. Proponents believe that modernizing the gaming laws is essential for ensuring a robust regulatory environment that can handle the complexities of the current gaming market. However, some concern exists regarding the balance of regulatory authority; stakeholders warn that overregulation might stifle growth and limit competition among gaming operators, which could adversely affect revenue generation and public welfare funding.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding SB840 is the potential implications of limiting the number of slot machines available for operation, which some argue could impact local revenue streams derived from gaming taxes. While supporters argue this bill will reinforce responsible gaming practices, critics suggest that imposing stringent limits may inhibit smaller gaming operations from thriving. The discussions surrounding this bill have highlighted differing views on the best approach to foster a regulated yet vibrant gaming ecosystem.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB696

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

PA SB666

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.