Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB666

Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/28/25
• Refer: 4/28/25

Caption

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

Impact

If passed, the bill will have significant implications for the gaming industry within Pennsylvania. By modifying the operational limitations placed on slot machine licensees, it could lead to increased flexibility for gaming operators regarding the management of their slot machine offerings. This change is expected to foster a potentially more adaptive regulatory environment in response to market dynamics while continuing to uphold certain operational standards for licensing.

Summary

Senate Bill 666 aims to amend Title 4 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, specifically regarding the regulatory powers of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board and the operational requirements for slot machine licensees. The bill proposes to allow an employee of the board to approve or deny requests for decreasing the number of slot machines permitted in licensed facilities, with the condition that the decrease does not exceed 2% of the total machines in operation. Furthermore, it maintains minimum requirements for the number of slot machines that must be operated at various categories of licensed facilities.

Sentiment

While specific commentary on the sentiment of this bill was not directly found in the document excerpts, implications around regulatory adjustments often attract mixed reactions. Industry supporters typically advocate for more operational flexibility, suggesting that it could enhance business viability and operational efficiency. On the contrary, concerns may arise regarding the potential impacts on local governance or the regulatory landscape, indicating a need for oversight despite the call for flexibility.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the balance between ensuring adequate regulatory oversight by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board and allowing gaming facilities the ability to adjust the number of machines based on their operational needs. Critics may argue that any increase in administrative discretion could lead to inequities in how licenses are managed across different facilities, potentially favoring larger operators over smaller, local businesses.