Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB756

Introduced
5/13/25  

Caption

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.

Impact

The implications of SB756 are multifaceted, primarily affecting the operations of gaming establishments across Pennsylvania. By permitting a higher count of slot machines in certain categories and streamlining the licensing process, the bill aims to bolster economic activity within the gaming sector. Additionally, provisions set forth in the bill impose stricter penalties for violations, enhancing the board's enforcement capabilities regarding gaming laws. This legislative move is designed to ensure compliance and safeguard public interest while generating state revenue from gaming operations. However, the bill may particularly impact local governance as it preempts certain local tax policies and regulations relating to gaming operations.

Summary

Senate Bill 756 is a comprehensive piece of legislation aimed at amending various titles within the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes concerning gaming and gambling. The bill seeks to clarify definitions related to fantasy contests, enhance the powers of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, and increase the permitted number of slot machines at specific licensed facilities. It also outlines procedures for licensing, including applications, hearings, and public input, reinforcing oversight and regulatory authority in relation to both traditional and interactive gaming operations. Furthermore, SB756 introduces provisions for skill gaming and establishes a Skill Gaming Fund to facilitate regulation and support Pennsylvania's gaming infrastructure.

Sentiment

The sentiment around SB756 is mixed, reflecting both optimism for economic growth in the gaming sector and concerns regarding regulation and local control. Proponents argue that expanding gaming avenues and clarifying regulations will provide significant benefits, including job creation and enhanced revenue streams for the state. Critics, however, voice concerns about potential addiction issues stemming from expanded access to gaming, arguing that the amendments could facilitate excessive gambling and detract from community efforts to manage gambling-related problems. Additionally, fears of increased political influence in gaming operations have been raised amidst discussions of the bill.

Contention

Central points of contention regarding SB756 involve its regulatory framework and the balance of power between state and local jurisdictions. Some stakeholders express apprehension about the centralization of gaming regulation under the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, arguing that it undermines local governance and community standards. The bill's provisions for increased enforcement and harsher penalties for violations have also sparked debate, with some viewing them as necessary for upholding integrity in the gaming sector while others regard them as overly punitive and potentially damaging to legitimate operators. Overall, the bill represents a significant shift in Pennsylvania's approach to gaming regulation, eliciting vigorous discussions among legislators, industry representatives, and advocacy groups.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

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