PA Senator Introduces Bill Prohibiting Gambling Advertising to Self-Excluded Players

Pennsylvania Senator Wayne D. Fontana recently introduced a bill looking to prohibit gambling advertising to self-excluded players from the state. Individuals can voluntarily place themselves on the state’s self-exclusion list, administered by the regulatory authority, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB).

The Democratic Party politician shared his opinion that those who placed themselves on the list had recognized a gambling problem and alluring them to gamble again would not be right: “I believe it is imperative for recovery that once someone places themselves on a list, the gaming industry needs to respect these wishes so that the person can seek the help they need.”

Among the prohibitions of the bill is direct advertising to individuals from the self-exclusion list or communicating messages concerning bonuses and promotions. Gambling operators would also be banned from providing anything of value to self-excluded players, including free play. Enrollment in loyalty programs for self-excluded gamblers is also among the prohibitions of the proposal. Last but not least, iGaming operators would be banned from extending credit to these players.

The Senator has managed to find enough common ground from both Democrats and Republicans, with six Democratic senators and one Republican co-sponsoring the proposed legislation.

Mr. Fontana initially introduced the bill on May 28. It is currently examined by the Community, Economic, and Recreational Development Committee. If approved, it will come into force within 60 days.

Nearly 20,000 Pennsylvanians are on PGCB’s Self-Exclusion List

According to information from the state regulatory body, 19,678 Pennsylvanians are on the self-exclusion list as of June 10. Under the current legislation, gambling companies are not prohibited from contacting these individuals through phone, email, and various social media channels.

Apart from the above-mentioned prohibitions, the legislation would require an update of the list every 48 hours, thus ensuring all self-excluded players are properly protected.

Those who are found to violate the rules would be subjected to misdemeanor charges and hefty fines of up to $150,000 for individuals, between $300,000 and $600,000 for gambling entities, and between $150,000 and $300,000 for gambling manufacturers. Failure to comply with the rules for the second time would mean a felony charge and fines doubling the amounts applicable to first-time violations.

Senator Wayne Fontana is widely known as an advocate for player protection. As reported by CasinoGamesPro, back in April of the current year, he sponsored yet another bill, SB1159, also aimed at ensuring enhanced protection of players. The proposed legislation would prohibit credit cards as a deposit method for all types of gambling products. The bill was examined by the Community, Economic, and Recreational Committee too, but it has not progressed further since then.