PA Senator Moves to Ban Advertising to Problem Gamblers

As Pennsylvania online casinos continue to place responsible gambling at the forefront of their policies, a new development could soon see a ban on any gambling advertising reaching self-excluded customers.

Senator Wayne Fontana has proposed a bill that would prohibit all gambling companies within the state from advertising directly to anyone who placed themselves on the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board‘s self-exclusion list.

Violation Of the Ban Would Bring Criminal Liability

Senator Fontana is proposing the ban through Senate Bill 1211, which lays down several provisions to stop operators from contacting players on the list of self-exclusion for any reason whatsoever. 

The ban is comprehensive and specifically extends to “direct advertising or marketing materials that communicate inducements, promotions, bonuses, credits, rewards, free plays or other offers from the licensed gaming entity, including, but not exclusive of, direct mail, email, texts, telephone calls and direct messaging via social media”.

SB 1211 places the responsibility squarely on operators to ensure that the list of self-excluded is updated every 48 hours. Any operator found in violation of the bill for the first time would be guilty of a misdemeanour, subject to a three-tiered fine structure of between $150,000 (for individuals) and $600,000 for gambling entities.

A second violation would result in a felony, with the fines for individuals going up to $300,000 and those for gambling entities potentially reaching $1.2 million.