The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) recently made significant decisions, resulting in fines totaling $60,000. These fines, all linked to issues within the realm of iGaming, highlight various aspects of regulatory oversight in the state.
Hollywood Casino Faces $45,000 Fine for Self-Exclusion Breaches:
Mountainview Thoroughbred Racing Association, LLC, the operator of Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course, has been slapped with a substantial $45,000 fine. The fine was imposed for a glaring lapse in preventing individuals enrolled in the PGCB’s iGaming self-exclusion program from engaging in gaming activities on its online Barstool Sportsbook. A core principle of responsible gaming is that an interactive gaming certificate holder must refuse wagers from anyone on the self-exclusion list.
This incident underscores the importance of robust self-exclusion mechanisms and the consequences of failing to implement them effectively.
Downs Racing and Unibet Interactive Jointly Fined $7,500 for Neglecting a Player’s Request:
Downs Racing, the operator of Mohegan Pennsylvania casino, in conjunction with its iGaming partner, Unibet Interactive, has been jointly ordered to pay a fine of $7,500. This penalty stems from their failure to suspend an interactive gaming account upon a player’s request for a temporary suspension of online gaming activities. The player had requested a 90-day “cool off” period, but the request went unacknowledged, and significant gaming activity continued for an additional 21 days.
This case highlights the need for prompt and responsible responses to player requests for self-exclusion or temporary suspension, emphasizing the duty of operators to protect vulnerable individuals.
Evolution US Fined $7,500 for Unlicensed Employee:
Evolution US, a holder of an iGaming Manufacturer License, faced a $7,500 fine due to an incident involving an unlicensed employee dealing several games of blackjack in its gaming studio for live dealer interactive gaming. This fine underscores the strict regulatory framework surrounding the iGaming industry and the importance of licensing compliance.
Petitions to Ban Adults from Casinos for Child Neglect:
In addition to the fines, the PGCB acted on petitions from the Office of Enforcement Counsel (OEC) to ban two adults from Pennsylvania casinos for child neglect. One man was placed on the Involuntary Exclusion List for leaving a 12-year-old unattended in a running vehicle in the Presque Isle Downs & Casino parking lot while he gambled at the sportsbook. A woman was placed on the list for leaving a 14-month-old unattended in a running vehicle in the Valley Forge Casino and Resort parking lot while she placed bets at the sportsbook.
These cases serve as a stark reminder that adults are strictly prohibited from leaving minors unattended in and around casinos. The PGCB’s actions underscore the severity of such actions, which not only result in exclusion from all Pennsylvania casinos but also carry the possibility of criminal prosecution.
PGCB’s Efforts to Address Child Neglect:
The PGCB has been actively addressing the issue of child neglect at casinos. Since the beginning of 2022 through February 2023, the PGCB reported a disturbing 331 incidents of adults leaving children unattended while gambling at Pennsylvania casinos, involving 522 minors. This alarming statistic prompted the launch of the “Don’t Gamble with Kids” awareness campaign in November.
The recent fines levied by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board provide valuable insights into the state’s commitment to upholding the integrity of the iGaming industry and ensuring the safety and welfare of minors in casino environments. Operators are reminded of their responsibilities in implementing effective self-exclusion measures, promptly responding to player requests, and maintaining strict licensing compliance. Additionally, the PGCB’s actions highlight the severe consequences adults face for neglecting their duty to safeguard children while enjoying casino activities. As the “Don’t Gamble with Kids” campaign continues, the PGCB remains steadfast in its mission to create a safe and responsible gaming environment in Pennsylvania.