Senate Co-Sponsorship Memoranda

Unhealthy temptations, let alone addictions, can be hard to resist when they’re readily available. With the legalization of internet-based casino and sports gambling in Pennsylvania, the immoderate betting that is harmful to many is now at one’s fingertips any time and any place. Unsurprisingly, since the introduction of these games, calls to the problem gambler hotline have nearly tripled.  

 

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) offers self-exclusion programs to help individuals affected by problem gambling distance themselves from the temptation of gambling. Self-exclusion allows a person to voluntarily ban themselves from casinos, internet-based gambling, video gaming terminals (VGTs) and fantasy sports wagering. Pursuant to PGCB regulations, a casino must self-exclude patrons and refuse gaming privileges and other gaming-related activities such as the cashing of checks.  

 

As Pennsylvania online casinos continue to break national revenue records, lawmakers have an obligation to make sure it is not at the expense of people who are addicted to gambling. Recently, there have been articles about how fantasy sports, for example, assign “VIP hosts” to individuals that spend a lot of time and money on their site. They continue to target these individuals and send them various promotions and “free” money or perks, even when it could appear that the person is demonstrating addictive behaviors. I feel that this practice is predatory.   

 

I will be proposing a bill that will strengthen language by prohibiting casinos and the gaming industry from directly marketing and sending promotions to individuals on self-exclusion lists. I believe it is imperative for recovery that once someone places themselves on a list, the gaming industry needs respect these wishes so that the person can seek the help they need. 

 

Please join me in co sponsoring this commonsense bill that will provide some additional protection for those struggling with a gambling addiction.