The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) has taken decisive action by banning four adults from entering casinos within the state after they left children unattended while gambling. These individuals have been placed on the PGCB Involuntary Exclusion List. The board’s stern response underscores its commitment to child safety and responsible gaming practices.
Ensuring Child Safety:
The PGCB’s decision to place four adults on the Involuntary Exclusion List was prompted by their irresponsible actions of leaving children unattended while they engaged in gambling activities. These actions involved nine children in total, highlighting the need for vigilant supervision within casino premises. The board’s dedication to child safety remains unwavering.
Cases of Irresponsible Behavior:
The PGCB provided details of specific cases where individuals were placed on the Involuntary Exclusion List:
A male patron left five children, including an infant, unattended in the food court of Valley Forge Casino Resort for over an hour while he played slot machines.
Another male patron left a 12-year-old unattended in a vehicle at Valley Forge Casino Resort’s parking lot for five minutes while he placed sports bets.
A male patron attempted to enter Harrah’s Philadelphia Casino and Racetrack with a 13-year-old and claimed the child was his brother. After being denied entry, he left the child unattended in a vehicle for 15 minutes while he gambled.
A female patron left a 2-year-old and a 14-year-old unattended in a vehicle at Mohegan Pennsylvania Casino’s parking lot for more than two hours while she played slot machines.
Preventing Repeat Incidents:
To address the issue of adults leaving children unattended while gambling, the PGCB launched the “Don’t Gamble with Kids” awareness campaign. This initiative aims to educate parents and guardians about the potential consequences of such actions, including being banned from casinos, criminal charges, and investigations by child welfare agencies. The PGCB remains dedicated to preventing these incidents through proactive campaigns and decisive enforcement.
Significant Impact of the Issue:
In 2022 alone, the PGCB identified a concerning 303 incidents of adults leaving children unattended to gamble at Pennsylvania casinos. These cases involved a total of 486 minors. The board’s commitment to curbing this behavior underscores its determination to prioritize child welfare within the gaming environment.
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board’s resolute response to cases of adults leaving children unattended in casinos reflects its unwavering commitment to responsible gaming and child safety. Through targeted campaigns, awareness initiatives, and decisive enforcement measures, the PGCB is actively working to eliminate this dangerous behavior from casino premises. As a result, Pennsylvania’s gaming industry is taking significant steps to create a secure and responsible environment for all patrons, while sending a clear message that leaving children unattended will not be tolerated.