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State of Play’s TL;DR
- A bipartisan Pennsylvania proposal would add deposit and loss limits, ban credit card funding, curb VIP tactics, and create new funding for problem gambling treatment and research.
- The legislation comes as the state’s gaming industry continue to grow.
Pennsylvania lawmakers have introduced a wide-ranging responsible gambling bill that would tighten rules for online casinos and sportsbooks just as the state posts record gaming revenue.
HB 2879 would add deposit and loss limits, restrict certain betting features, and create a new funding stream for prevention and treatment.
Pennsylvania lawmakers also launched a bipartisan Problem Gambling Caucus, signaling that consumer-protection rules around mobile sports betting and online casinos are getting more attention in one of the country’s biggest gambling markets.
HB 2879 targets deposits, losses, VIP tactics, and ad practices
State Reps. Tarik Khan, a Democrat, and Jamie Flick, a Republican, introduced House Bill 2879 on Oct. 21. The proposal would:
- Prohibit microbets
- Ban certain VIP programs designed to encourage more wagering
- Stop players from funding online gambling accounts with credit cards
- Limit players to two deposits in a 24-hour period. Require operators to assess affordability before accepting more money if a customer deposits more than $5,000 over 180 days
- Mandates daily and monthly loss limits, with lower thresholds for younger adults
- Require default gambling-session time limits
- Prohibit autoplay features
- Restrict ads aimed at minors and young adults
- Curb AI-driven promotions directed at customers
Khan said:
“People should be free to enjoy an occasional bet. But the gambling industry shouldn’t be allowed to exploit addiction for profit. We studied the problem, we followed the evidence, and now we’re taking bipartisan action to protect Pennsylvanians.”
Why the proposal stands out in a major online casino state
The push comes as Pennsylvania’s gambling market keeps growing. The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board reported about $7.01 billion in total gaming revenue for fiscal year 2025-26, including nearly $2.93 billion from internet casino gaming.
A statewide study found that just 5.7% of online sports bettors accounted for 80% of gambling expenditure. Another finding said 0.5% of customers generated more than 70% of VIP-program revenue at one sportsbook during 2019 and 2020.
HB 2879 would also create a 0.75% assessment on online gaming and sports wagering revenue to support problem gambling education, treatment, research, and related data infrastructure.
The bill was referred to the House Gaming Oversight Committee on Oct. 21. The newly formed Problem Gambling Caucus is expected to hold its first formal meeting in January.
Based on reporting by Jonathan Rodriguez for Betting News.
