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 SB1211

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

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 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 HB1245

Further providing for definitions and for prohibited acts and penalties.

PA SB1254

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.

PA SB1195

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 SB681

Further providing for title of act, for definitions, for prohibition, for signage, for enforcement, for administration, for preemption of local ordinances and for repeal; and making editorial changes.

PA HB933

Further providing for prohibited activities.

PA SB474

Further providing for prohibited activities.

PA SB572

In ethics standards and financial disclosure, further providing for definitions, for restricted activities, for statement of financial interests and for penalties; in lobbying disclosure, further providing for definitions, for reporting and for penalties; and, in Turnpike Commission standards of conduct, further providing for code of conduct.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.