Published on: June 4, 2026, 12:15h.
Updated on: June 4, 2026, 12:15h.
- Pennsylvania legislation aims to implement regulatory frameworks for iGaming and online sports betting
- Online casinos in Pennsylvania cost gamblers $2.77 billion last year
- Losses in online sports betting reached approximately $600 million
Pennsylvania lawmakers have raised concerns about the surge in online gambling in the state, signaling a need for intervention.
On Wednesday, Representatives Tarik Khan (D-Philadelphia) and Jamie Flick (R-Lycoming/Union) unveiled a bipartisan set of proposals aimed at addressing rising rates of problem gambling and bolstering consumer protections.
“The exposure of young individuals to online gambling is a growing concern fueled by rampant advertising and easy access via mobile devices. Our proposed measures are intended to implement sensible safeguards, promote responsible gaming, and protect families from the adverse effects of gambling,” stated Flick.
Khan, a nurse practitioner, believes that gambling issues should be approached in the same vein as other public health concerns.
“Addressing problem gambling should mirror our approach to public health: through prevention, education, treatment, and practical safeguards,” said Khan.
Proposed Legislation
Khan and Flick have plans to introduce three bills aimed at regulating online gambling and sports betting for the public’s benefit.
The Pennsylvania Online Consumer Protection Act aims to set “reasonable limits” on the number of deposits an online bettor can make within a 24-hour period. Additionally, it seeks to prevent online casinos and sportsbooks from utilizing predatory marketing tactics such as push notifications and text invites.
Furthermore, the Online Consumer Protection Act will focus on enhancing safeguards against youth-targeted advertising and increase funding for problem gambling prevention, education, and treatment services.
The second piece of proposed legislation will outlaw the use of credit cards for online gambling transactions, while the third bill will prevent online platforms from marketing to users who have opted into a self-exclusion program.
It’s important to note that these regulations will not extend to federally regulated prediction markets, which are outside the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board’s jurisdiction.
Record Highs, Increasing Issues
The Council on Compulsive Gambling of PA has reported a notable increase in outreach requests to 1-800-GAMBLER since the legalization of iGaming and online sports betting. The majority of callers are now younger individuals.
According to Penn State University’s 2025 Pennsylvania Interactive Gaming Assessment, online gambling participation has reached new heights, with about 30% of adults in Pennsylvania partaking last year, a 10% increase from the previous year.
In 2025, revenue from legal online casinos in Pennsylvania reached an astounding $2.77 billion, marking a 27% increase from 2024. Online sports betting led to losses of $602.5 million, predominantly from online platforms.
“Access to online casinos and sportsbooks in Pennsylvania is now available 24/7 via mobile devices, tablets, and computers. While many players gamble responsibly, the rapid expansion of online gambling, combined with aggressive marketing strategies and a lack of practical safeguards, has raised significant concerns regarding addiction, personal debt, and the overall impact on individuals, families, and communities,” raised concerns Khan and Flick in their memo to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.