Pennsylvania could set new restrictions for gambling, strengthen protections
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Colin Day
Fri, June 5, 2026 at 12:20 AM GMT+9
2 min read
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HARRISBURG, Pa. (WTAJ) — Pennsylvania Representatives Tarkin Khan and Jamie Flick announced a bipartisan package that addresses problem gambling and strengthens consumer protections.
Pennsylvanians have gained around-the-clock access to online casinos and sportsbooks through phones, tablets and computers since they were legalized nearly a decade ago.
The explosive growth of online gambling, increasingly aggressive marketing practices and a lack of commonsense guardrails have caused some individuals to raise concerns about addiction, personal debt and the impact of problem gambling on individuals, families and communities.
Although many individuals gamble responsibly, problem gambling is recognized as a public health issue because of the significant harm it can cause to mental health, families and overall well-being. Young men, in particular, are increasingly exposed to online gambling platforms and targeted advertising.
"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. Our bipartisan bill package will help protect young people, individuals and families while supporting responsible gaming," said Khan.
The package includes:
The Pennsylvania Online Consumer Protection Act, which would establish reasonable limits on the frequency of deposits into online gambling accounts within 24 hours, restrict predatory marketing practices such as push notifications and text message solicitations, strengthen protections against youth-targeted advertising and expand investments in prevention, treatment and responsible gaming programs.
Legislation prohibiting the use of credit cards to fund online gambling accounts (House companion to SB 265)
Legislation strengthening Pennsylvania's self-exclusion program by prohibiting gambling operators from marketing to individuals who have voluntarily placed themselves on the self-exclusion list (House companion to SB 266)
"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."
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The bipartisan package aims to protect consumers, support responsible gaming and treat problem gambling as the public health issue it is.
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