Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB1254

Introduced
6/10/24  
Refer
6/10/24  

Caption

In general provisions relating to gaming, further providing for definitions; in Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, further providing for general and specific powers, for regulatory authority of board and for number of slot machines; in licensees, further providing for Category 4 slot machine license, for manufacturer licenses, for gaming service provider, for nongaming service provider, for occupation permit application, for slot machine accounting controls and audits and for renewals; in table games, further providing for regulatory authority; in revenues, further providing for slot machine licensee deposits; in administration and enforcement, further providing for investigations and enforcement, for prohibited acts and penalties and for liquor licenses at licensed facilities; and, in miscellaneous provisions relating to gaming, providing for live-streaming on casino floor.

Impact

The proposed amendments seek to streamline the licensing process for operators and service providers within the gaming sector. This includes a framework for licensing nongaming providers who will support slot machine operations, thereby potentially fostering greater economic activity in the state. Additionally, by allowing live-streaming from casino floors, the bill positions Pennsylvania's gaming industry to attract a broader audience, enhancing both revenue generation and consumer engagement.

Summary

Senate Bill 1254 aims to amend various provisions under Title 4 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, primarily focusing on gaming regulations. The bill clarifies definitions related to gaming service and nongaming service providers, enhances the regulatory powers of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, and revises the number of slot machines permitted to operate under a Category 4 licensing framework. One of the key components includes the introduction of provisions for live-streaming on casino floors, which indicates an effort to modernize and adapt to technological advancements in the gaming industry.

Sentiment

Debate around SB 1254 reflects a general sentiment of cautious optimism among supporters who see the bill as a vehicle for boosting Pennsylvania's gaming economy. However, some stakeholders express concerns regarding the integrity of gaming oversight and the impact of increased commercialization and technology on the gaming experience. The interplay between modernization and regulatory safeguards is a focal point of discussions surrounding this legislation.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the potential for reduced oversight in the regulatory framework as the bill expands operational scopes for gaming and nongaming providers. Critics may argue that expanded access and live-streaming could lead to reputational risks for the gaming industry if not adequately monitored. Additionally, the increase in permitted slot machines raises questions about responsible gaming practices and community implications, countering the ongoing concerns about gambling addiction.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB2436

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

PA HB696

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

PA SB1210

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 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 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 HB2518

In Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, further providing for regulatory authority of board; and, in administration, further providing for regulatory authority of board.

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 HB2444

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in games of chance, further providing for prize limits and for sales limited, providing for pull-tab deals, further providing for distributor licenses, for registration of manufacturers, for regulations of department and for licensing of eligible organizations; in club licensees, further providing for distribution of proceeds; and, in enforcement, further providing for revocation of licenses and providing for other penalties and for licensed eligible organizations subject to audit by Auditor General.

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