Pennsylvania proposes new law to protect problem gamblers
Pennsylvania seeks to safeguard problem gamblers in the Keystone State under a new draft law proposed and sponsored by Senator Wayne Fontana and a number of nonpartisan legislators.
Sen. Fontana effectively claims that there are flaws in how Pennsylvania and licensed operators deal with gamblers who have previously admitted to irresponsible or excessive gambling.
While players can self-exclude through the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board or soon opt for nationwide self-exclusion services like those promoted by iProtekt and idPair, they are not totally protected when it comes to gambling advertising.
Sen. Fontana and other like-minded legislators want to make sure that the legislation expressly prohibits gambling in a way that makes it illegal for casinos to specifically target or communicate with players who are at risk of gambling.
Many Democrats, like Sen. Lisa Baker of Virginia, support Sen. Wayne’s bill, SB1111, which provides several important protections. The goal of the measure is to enact a number of significant prohibitions that, in the opinion of the bill’s supporters, will improve consumer protection in the future.
The regulations primarily aim to prohibit direct advertising or marketing to self-excluded players, such as mailing bonus information. Another step is a direct prohibition on giving players “anything of value,” as alternate promotions, complementary gifts, or even free play might be exploited to get around the initial rule.
Complementary services, as well as credit extensions to self-excluded players, are also prohibited. The law also attempts to ensure that the regulator’s existing list is updated every 48 hours, minimizing the possibility of anyone slipping.