The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) recently took significant actions during its public meeting, approving fines against two casino operators and implementing measures to reinforce responsible gambling practices.
Overview of Fines:
The PGCB approved three consent agreements, resulting in fines totaling $212,500. Mountainview Thoroughbred Racing faced penalties amounting to $147,500, primarily for lapses in protocol on Penn Interactive Ventures’ Internet Gaming/Sports Wagering platforms and instances of underage individuals accessing the gaming floor at Hollywood Casino York. Sugarhouse HSP Gaming, LP was fined $65,000 for staffing deficiencies and delayed reporting of a voucher theft at Rivers Philadelphia Casino.
Mountainview Thoroughbred Racing Fines:
Mountainview Thoroughbred Racing incurred fines due to several critical shortcomings. Firstly, a $97,500 fine stemmed from incidents involving inadequate protocols on Penn Interactive Ventures’ platforms. These lapses allowed for the creation and use of multiple online accounts with stolen personal information, as well as illicit funding and withdrawal activities. Additionally, a $50,000 fine was imposed for three instances of underage individuals accessing the gaming floor at Hollywood Casino York, highlighting a breach in age verification protocols.
Sugarhouse HSP Gaming, LP Fines:
Sugarhouse HSP Gaming, LP faced penalties totaling $65,000, primarily for failures at Rivers Philadelphia Casino. The company was fined for neglecting minimum staffing requirements over a 40-day period and for failing to promptly report a voucher theft to regulatory authorities. These infractions underscore the importance of maintaining operational standards and promptly addressing security concerns within casino premises.
Preventive Measures:
In response to these incidents, the PGCB has implemented measures to prevent future occurrences. Notably, the board has initiated an awareness campaign titled “Don’t Gamble with Kids” to underscore the prohibition of leaving minors unattended in casino facilities. Furthermore, the PGCB has emphasized that adults who leave minors unattended at Pennsylvania casinos may face criminal prosecution in addition to exclusion from all state casinos.
Enforcement of Responsible Gambling Practices:
These actions by the PGCB reflect a commitment to enforcing responsible gambling practices and ensuring the safety of patrons, particularly minors. By holding operators accountable for lapses in security and regulatory compliance, the board aims to uphold the integrity of the gambling industry while safeguarding vulnerable populations.
The fines levied against Mountainview Thoroughbred Racing and Sugarhouse HSP Gaming, LP, along with the implementation of preventive measures by the PGCB, signify a proactive approach to maintaining regulatory standards and promoting responsible gambling. Moving forward, continued vigilance and collaboration between regulators and operators will be essential in preserving the integrity and safety of Pennsylvania’s gambling landscape.