Failed Checkpoints
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) has established a self-exclusion program aimed at helping individuals struggling with gambling addiction. This program allows individuals to voluntarily exclude themselves from all forms of gambling within the state, including casinos, online gaming, and sports betting. However, the responsibility to enforce these exclusions falls squarely on the shoulders of the casinos. They are tasked with identifying individuals on the self-excluded list and ensuring that these individuals are denied access to slot machines, table games, poker rooms, and other amenities. Unfortunately, recent incidents have highlighted significant failures in this system.
The Importance of Self-Exclusion
The self-exclusion list was created to protect individuals who recognize their gambling tendencies and wish to take proactive steps to avoid potential harm. By voluntarily placing themselves on this list, these individuals are making a commitment to refrain from gambling activities. The PGCB’s regulations are clear: casinos must not only deny access but also refrain from cashing checks or providing loans to anyone on the self-excluded list. This is a crucial measure designed to help individuals regain control over their gambling habits and prevent further financial distress.
Notable Failures in Enforcement
Despite the clear guidelines, there have been alarming instances where casinos have failed to uphold their responsibilities. A notable case occurred in December 2021 when a self-excluded individual was allowed to gamble on ten different slot machines at a Live! Casino & Hotel. A casino representative checked the individual’s identification, but due to a discrepancy involving a middle initial, the casino’s database failed to flag the individual’s name. This oversight allowed the individual to engage in gambling activities, which directly contradicts the purpose of the self-exclusion program.
In another troubling incident that same month, a self-excluded patron managed to gamble $36,900 during a 55-minute blackjack session. Such lapses in enforcement not only undermine the integrity of the self-exclusion program but also put vulnerable individuals at risk of further financial and emotional distress.
Continued Breaches and Consequences
The failures did not stop there. In November 2022, a roulette player who was also on the self-exclusion list gambled $9,600 and cashed out $4,700 during a 21-hour visit to the casino. These incidents raise serious questions about the effectiveness of the measures in place to protect individuals who have taken the courageous step to self-exclude. The PGCB’s commitment to safeguarding these individuals is compromised when casinos fail to adhere to established protocols.
The PA Gaming Market and Regulatory Actions
The PGCB has taken steps to address these failures, as evidenced by a $10,000 fine issued to the Washington Trotting Association, LLC, the operator of Hollywood Casino at the Meadows. This fine was levied after the casino allowed a self-excluded gambler to use a slot machine and cash checks. Such penalties are intended to reinforce the importance of compliance with self-exclusion regulations and to deter future violations.
In addition to fines, the PGCB has also expanded its oversight by adding individuals to the iGaming Involuntary Exclusion List due to fraudulent activities. In one instance, two individuals used false identification to open an iGaming account, which they then filled with fraudulent funds. They withdrew these funds without participating in any gaming activity, creating a total of 20 different accounts in violation of the operator’s terms and conditions. This kind of fraudulent behavior not only undermines the integrity of the gaming market but also poses additional challenges for regulators.
The Growth of Online Gaming in Pennsylvania
Online casinos are legal in only seven states, with Pennsylvania being one of them. The state’s gaming market has seen significant growth, generating $5.7 billion from gambling last year alone. This figure is expected to rise even further in 2024, as more individuals engage in both in-person and online gaming activities. However, as the market expands, so too does the need for stringent enforcement of regulations designed to protect vulnerable gamblers.
The PGCB’s efforts to maintain a safe gaming environment are crucial, especially as the industry continues to evolve. The challenges posed by self-exclusion enforcement and fraudulent activities highlight the need for ongoing vigilance and accountability within the gaming sector. As Pennsylvania’s gaming market continues to thrive, the importance of protecting individuals from the risks associated with gambling cannot be overstated.