Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB806

Introduced
6/23/23  
Refer
6/23/23  

Caption

In general provisions relating to video gaming, further providing for definitions; and, in operation, further providing for video gaming limitations and for compulsive and problem gambling.

Impact

The bill introduces a requirement that each establishment licensed for video gaming must employ at least one gaming employee, although it relieves the establishments from needing to have this employee present at all times during gaming operations. Additionally, it mandates that gaming employees complete specific training related to managing compulsive and problem gambling. This shift is expected to improve the training framework for employees and enhance responsible gaming practices, reflecting a commitment to addressing gambling-related issues effectively.

Summary

Senate Bill 806 amends Title 4 (Amusements) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, specifically addressing video gaming regulations. The bill seeks to refine definitions pertinent to gaming employees and their roles concerning video gaming operations within establishments. By clarifying the responsibilities and requirements of gaming employees, the legislation aims to enhance compliance and oversight of video gaming activities, reinforcing state standards for the management of these activities.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB 806 appears to be generally supportive among legislators and industry stakeholders who recognize the need for clear regulations in the expanding field of video gaming. Proponents emphasize that establishing defined roles and training requirements for gaming employees will promote responsible gaming and protect vulnerable populations. However, there may be concerns about the implications of these regulations on smaller establishments and their capacity to hire qualified gaming employees.

Contention

Notable points of contention in the discussions surrounding SB 806 may arise relating to the enforcement of penalties for non-compliance with the new requirements. Establishment licensees face administrative penalties and potential suspension of their licenses if found in violation of the training or employment mandates. There may be debates regarding the balance between ensuring adequate oversight and the operational burdens placed on smaller gaming venues, testing the resilience of local businesses amid evolving state regulations.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB2042

In revenues, providing for audits of Pennsylvania Race Horse Development Trust Fund; in administration and enforcement, further providing for investigations and enforcement; in general provisions, further providing for definitions; in administration, further providing for records and confidentiality of information; in application and licensure, further providing for establishment licenses, for license or permit prohibition, for issuance and renewal and for conditional licenses; in operation, further providing for testing and certification of terminals and for video gaming limitations, providing for hours of operation and further providing for terminal placement agreements and for compulsive and problem gambling; in enforcement, further providing for investigations and enforcement; in revenues, further providing for distribution of local share, for regulatory assessments and for transfers from Video Gaming Fund; in ethics, further providing for political influence; in riot, disorderly conduct and related offenses, further providing for the offense of gambling devices, gambling, etc.; providing for implementation; and making a repeal.

PA HB894

In general provisions relating to video gaming, further providing for definitions.

PA HB598

In general provisions relating to video gaming, further providing for definitions.

PA HB1655

In fantasy contests, further providing for definitions and for general and specific powers of board; in general provisions relating to gaming, further providing for definitions; in fingerprinting, further providing for submission of fingerprints and photographs; in general provisions relating to video gaming, further providing for definitions; and, in administration, further providing for powers of board.

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 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 SB1142

In revenues, further providing for establishment of State Gaming Fund and net slot machine revenue distribution; adding provisions relating to local gaming terminals by providing for general provisions, 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 HB44

In tavern gaming, further providing for definitions.

PA HB2164

In tavern gaming, further providing for definitions.

PA SB706

Providing for skill video gaming; imposing duties on the Department of Revenue; providing for issuance of licenses for skill video gaming; imposing a tax and criminal and civil penalties; and providing for zoning.

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