Pennsylvania lawmakers propose bipartisan bill package to address problem gambling

State Representatives Tarkin Khan and Jamie Flick have introduced a bipartisan set of bills aimed at addressing problem gambling and strengthening consumer protections as online gaming continues to expand in Pennsylvania.

Since Pennsylvania legalized online casinos and sports betting nearly a decade ago, residents have gained access to gambling through smartphones, tablets, and computers. While the industry has grown rapidly, opponents have raised concerns over aggressive marketing, rising addiction risks, and financial harm linked to problem gambling.

"As a nurse practitioner, I believe we should address problem gambling the same way we address other public health challenges: with prevention, education, treatment and commonsense safeguards,” said Khan. “Our bipartisan bill package will help protect young people, individuals and families while supporting responsible gaming.”

The proposed legislative package includes several measures. The Pennsylvania Online Consumer Protection Act would limit how often users can deposit into online gambling accounts within 24 hours, restrict push notifications and text message marketing, strengthen protections against youth-targeted ads, and increase funding for prevention and treatment programs.

Another measure would ban the use of credit cards to fund online gambling accounts as part of the House companion to SB 265.

A third proposal, also part of the House companion to SB 266, would strengthen Pennsylvania’s self-exclusion program by prohibiting gambling operators from sending marketing materials to individuals who have voluntarily opted into the state’s self-exclusion list.

"Too many young people are being exposed to online gambling through constant advertising and unprecedented access from their phones and devices," said Flick. "These bills are about putting reasonable safeguards in place, promoting responsible gaming and helping ensure that young people and families are protected from gambling-related harm."