Pennsylvania Lawmakers Unveil Bipartisan Online Gambling Safeguards

Pennsylvania lawmakers are advancing a bipartisan effort to introduce new safeguards for online gambling as concerns grow over problem gambling, youth exposure, and aggressive marketing practices.

State Representatives Tarik Khan (D-Philadelphia) and Jamie Flick (R-Lycoming/Union) announced a three-bill package aimed at strengthening consumer protections while supporting responsible gaming across the Commonwealth.

The Bills

At the center of the proposal is the Pennsylvania Online Consumer Protection Act, which would establish limits on how frequently players can deposit funds into online gambling accounts within 24 hours. The legislation would also curb marketing tactics such as push notifications and text message solicitations, strengthen restrictions on youth-targeted advertising, and expand investments in prevention, education, treatment, and responsible gaming programs.

The package also includes legislation prohibiting the use of credit cards to fund online gambling accounts, alongside a measure that would prevent operators from marketing to individuals who have voluntarily enrolled in Pennsylvania’s self-exclusion program.

“Too many young people are being exposed to online gambling through constant advertising and unprecedented access from their phones and devices. These bills are about putting reasonable safeguards in place, promoting responsible gaming and helping ensure that young people and families are protected from gambling-related harm.”

State Representative Jamie Flick (R-Lycoming/Union)

Khan, a nurse practitioner, said gambling-related harm should be approached as a public health issue.

“As a nurse practitioner, I believe we should address problem gambling the same way we address other public health challenges: with prevention, education, treatment and commonsense safeguards. Our bipartisan bill package will help protect young people, individuals and families while supporting responsible gaming.”

State Representative Tarik Khan (D-Philadelphia)

The lawmakers argue that the rapid expansion of online gambling has outpaced consumer protections. Since Pennsylvania legalized online casinos and sports betting, residents have gained around-the-clock access to wagering through smartphones, tablets, and computers. While many gamble responsibly, Khan and Flick say the combination of unprecedented accessibility, rising advertising activity, and limited guardrails has heightened concerns about addiction, financial hardship, and broader social impacts.

A Balancing Act?

Their proposal comes as Pennsylvania’s online gambling market continues to post record results.  At the same time, organizations focused on gambling addiction have reported rising demand for support services. The Council on Compulsive Gambling of Pennsylvania has noted an increase in contacts to its 1-800-GAMBLER helpline since online gambling launched in the state, with younger adults accounting for a growing share of outreach.

There is clearly not enough leverage, and many people see the need for more regulation. The legislative package is expected to be formally introduced in the coming weeks, and perhaps it could kick off some progress in addressing these concerns.