The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board recently took action against regulatory breaches by a casino operator and a gaming manufacturer licensee. A total of $100,350 in fines were imposed following consent agreements approved during the board’s public meeting. Additionally, the board addressed incidents of adults leaving minors unattended at casinos, underlining the importance of compliance with child safety regulations.
Regulatory Fines:
Hollywood Casino York Fined: Mountainview Thoroughbred Racing Association, the operator of Hollywood Casino York, has been fined $78,000 for its failure to meet minimum security staffing requirements.
TCS John Huxley Fined: TCS John Huxley America, Inc. and TCS John Huxley Europe, Ltd, licensed Table Game Manufacturers, have received a fine of $22,350 for their failure to file Principal Licensing applications.
Child Safety Measures:
Prohibiting Minors Left Unattended: The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board has taken proactive measures to prevent minors from being left unattended at casinos. It has banned five adults from all casinos in the Commonwealth who left a total of nine children unattended in order to engage in gaming activities.
Criminal Prosecution Warning: The board has emphasized that leaving minors unattended at a Pennsylvania casino not only results in exclusion from all Pennsylvania casinos but can also lead to criminal prosecution for the offending adult.
Incident Report and Awareness Campaign:
Incident Statistics: The Board reported that between the beginning of 2022 and April 2023, it identified 359 incidents of adults leaving children unattended to gamble at Pennsylvania casinos, involving 576 minors.
“Don’t Gamble with Kids” Campaign: In response to these concerns, the Board launched the “Don’t Gamble with Kids” campaign in November, raising awareness about the issue. The campaign seeks to prevent minors from being left in vehicles in casino parking lots or hotel rooms.
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board’s recent actions underscore its commitment to maintaining a safe and compliant gaming environment. The imposition of fines for regulatory violations serves as a reminder to licensees to adhere to the established regulations. Moreover, the board’s dedication to protecting minors from being left unattended in casino settings highlights the importance of prioritizing child safety within the gaming industry.