Pennsylvania Lawmakers Propose New Limits on Online Casino Gambling

Key Highlights

Pennsylvania lawmakers introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at reducing risks associated with online gambling. The proposals include capping casino bet amounts and measures to restrict gambling advertisements.

Bipartisan Push Targets Online Gambling Risks

State Representatives Tarik Khan and Jamie Flick are backing a package of bills that would place tighter limits on online casino play and add protections for people who may struggle with gambling. The main proposal is House Bill 2879, also called the Pennsylvania Online Consumer Protection Act. It focuses on how much players can wager and lose, with stricter rules for younger adults, and was referred to the Committee on Gaming Oversight on October 21.

The lawmakers say younger players face particular risks when gambling is easily accessible through mobile devices, arguing the smartphone is “engineered to encourage frequent and continuous use by consumers.” The bill also states that online gambling platforms “have been designed to capitalize on consumer engagement techniques established and employed by social media applications.” Under the proposed changes, players aged 21 to 25 would have lower per-play wagers and daily and monthly loss limits than those over 25.

Khan argues that people should be able to gamble for fun without facing practices that encourage harmful spending. Flick has raised concerns about the growing presence of betting apps and sports gambling ads in young people’s lives. The proposed changes could affect a significant number of Pennsylvania bettors, with a recent study suggesting Gen Z and Millennial customers accounted for a large percentage of online betting activity in July. 

Proposed Bet & Loss Limits for Players

Under HB 2879, online casino wagers would be capped at $2 per play for customers ages 21 through 25. Players older than 25 would face a $5 limit per play. These caps would apply to individual wagers, reducing the amount a customer could risk in a single round.

The bill would also introduce daily and monthly loss limits based on age. Adults ages 21 through 25 could lose no more than $750 in one day or $2,500 in one month. The proposed limits are $1,500 per day and $5,000 per month for players older than 25. Reaching a daily loss limit would trigger a 24-hour lockout, while reaching a monthly limit would result in a 30-day lockout. The restrictions are designed to interrupt continued gambling after substantial losses. 

HB 2879 also includes provisions to limit online gambling account deposits to twice per day and a two-hour cap on signed-in time. This could disproportionately impact online poker players, with tournaments often exceeding the two-hour limit. If signed into law, the new rules would represent a significant change to how online casino operators manage customer spending and activity in Pennsylvania.

Ad Restrictions & Player Protections

The proposal goes beyond limits on individual bets and losses. It also seeks to ban micro bets and to restrict same-game parlays involving player proposition bets. Micro bets are in-game wagers on small moments in live sporting events, such as the next team to make a basket in basketball. Lawmakers are targeting gambling formats that encourage frequent betting during a game.

Another part of the plan would prohibit gambling advertisements on college campuses and near schools. The legislation also aims to eliminate casino VIP programs and direct more resources toward treatment for problem gambling. Pennsylvania previously expanded gambling addiction support in August, allowing individuals to access case management support services via the Department of Drug and Alcohol Services Programs.

Two related bills address additional consumer safeguards. House Bill 2875 would prohibit using credit cards to fund online gambling accounts, while House Bill 2874 would strengthen protections for people who have voluntarily excluded themselves from gambling. The bills would have to be reintroduced next year if they do not pass the Pennsylvania House of Representatives before the legislative session ends on November 30.