In 2025, Pennsylvania gamblers faced unprecedented losses totaling $6.8 billion, solidifying the state’s position for the fifth consecutive year with record-breaking gaming revenue. This thriving sector is assisting in alleviating state funding deficiencies and generating new opportunities for various initiatives throughout the commonwealth. Nonetheless, a recent government report raises alarms about the adverse effects of this expanding market on public health, family budgets, and society at large.
House Resolution No. 60 of 2025 instructed the Pennsylvania General Assembly’s Joint State Government Commission to investigate the impacts of sports betting and iGaming on the state. Researchers found that the commonwealth is confronting a pressing and escalating challenge to public health, compelling lawmakers to decide between immediate intervention to curb gambling disorders or further investigation into the situation.
Pennsylvania boasts 18 physical casinos, in addition to options like iGaming, retail and mobile sports betting, fantasy sports, and video gaming terminals at truck stops. The staggering $6.8 billion revenue figure for 2025 excludes player losses from unregulated skill machines and the state-run lottery.
Recommendations from the Report
The Joint State Government Commission has recommended that the General Assembly assess whether gaming authorities should mandate licensees to adopt new responsible gambling strategies. Should Harrisburg choose to promptly implement safety measures to mitigate gambling disorders, the commission proposes the prohibition of credit card use for online sports betting and casino platforms.
Additionally, the report advocates for online gamblers to set limits on losses, play duration, and the number of deposits made within a designated time frame. It also calls for restrictions on advertising in media and locations such as college campuses, where many audience members may be underage.
The commission suggests banning online sportsbooks and gaming platforms from sending notifications to users who are not logged into the app. Furthermore, they recommend prohibiting personalized marketing and promotions powered by AI.
In-game betting, identified by the commission as a significant factor in the transition of many gamblers from responsible to reckless play, may be restricted or significantly reduced. The commission also proposes either banning or “sharply limiting” VIP programs offered by online gaming operators as part of their intervention strategies.
One in Four at Risk for Gambling Disorder
The Pennsylvania Psychiatric Society and the Pennsylvania Society of Addiction Medicine warn that the state’s adoption of legalized gambling is triggering a public health emergency.
The organizations urge the industry to refer to gambling issues as “gambling disorders,” rather than terms like “compulsive gambling” or “problem gambling.” They argue that “gambling disorder” provides a clearer understanding of the issue and helps reduce the stigma preventing individuals from seeking assistance.
These societies estimate that over one in four adults in Pennsylvania are at risk of developing a gambling disorder.