Pennsylvania House Bill HB2042

Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/20/24
• Refer: 2/20/24

Caption

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.

Impact

The bill's provisions would notably impact the existing framework for video gaming in Pennsylvania. Specific regulations will govern the number of video gaming terminals per establishment and require that they adhere to strict operational hours. It also mandates comprehensive training for gaming employees to combat issues related to problem gambling. In terms of financial implications, the legislation stipulates procedures for the collection and distribution of revenue generated from video gaming terminals, which is expected to benefit local governments and relevant trust funds.

Summary

House Bill 2042 addresses various aspects of video gaming regulation in Pennsylvania, including definitions, licensing, enforcement, and financial considerations concerning video gaming terminals. By amending Titles 4 (Amusements) and 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, the bill aims to streamline operations for establishments offering video gaming, particularly through clearer licensing requirements and the regulations governing the placement and operation of gaming terminals. It sets enforceable standards for establishments that wish to offer video gaming, thus ensuring proper oversight and accountability.

Sentiment

Overall sentiment around HB 2042 appears to be mixed among stakeholders. Supporters argue it modernizes and clarifies the regulatory landscape for video gaming, which is seen as essential for fostering economic growth and providing clarity to operators. Conversely, opponents might express concern about the potential for increased gambling activity and the challenges associated with compulsive gambling, emphasizing the need to ensure sufficient protections are in place for consumers.

Contention

A significant contention revolves around the extent of control and oversight granted to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, particularly in terms of licensing and enforcement. Some stakeholders worry that rapid expansion and liberalization of video gaming could strain regulatory resources and local governance. Concerns also exist about the balance between generating state revenue and maintaining societal safeguards against gambling-related harms.