Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board Takes Action Against Stadium Casino
On a significant day for gaming regulation in Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) convened on a recent Wednesday and approved a consent agreement, which included a substantial $50,000 fine against Stadium Casino, the operator behind Live! Casino and Hotel Philadelphia. This decision underscores the regulatory body’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of gaming operations and the protection of vulnerable players.
Breach of Self-Exclusion Regulations
The main catalyst for this fine was Stadium Casino’s failure to comply with critical self-exclusion policies. Four individuals, who were listed on the PGCB’s Self-Exclusion list, were allowed to gamble within the casino premises. The Office of Enforcement Counsel (OEC), which presented this case during the public meeting, emphasized that casinos are mandated to identify self-excluded patrons correctly and deny them gaming privileges, including cashing checks or cash advances.
The PGCB’s regulations are in place to protect individuals who recognize their gambling problems and voluntarily opt out of gaming activities. The violation of these regulations draws attention to the imperative for operators to uphold strict compliance measures and the potential consequences of negligence.
Expanding the iGaming Involuntary Exclusion List
In addition to the penalty against Stadium Casino, the board expanded the iGaming Involuntary Exclusion List with the addition of five individuals. The activities of these individuals had been investigated by the PGCB’s Bureau of Investigations and Enforcement and were found to involve fraudulent behavior. The infractions were notable for two primary issues:
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Unauthorized Account Creation: In one case, two individuals collaborated to establish 20 separate online gaming accounts, despite a clear prohibition against more than one account per individual in the operator’s terms and conditions.
- Fraudulent Financial Activities: In another instance, an individual created 16 accounts using the personal identification and credit cards of others, withdrawing a staggering $11,250 directly into his personal bank account. This pattern of fraudulent activity continued with two additional cases involving credit card chargebacks totaling $32,725.
The PGCB’s actions reflect its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the online gaming environment within the state, ensuring that fraudulent activities are rigorously addressed and that offenders are held accountable.
New Additions to the Involuntary Exclusion List
The board also took decisive action regarding two adults who were added to the Involuntary Exclusion List for leaving minors unattended. The incidents occurred as follows:
- One female patron left an 11-year-old child unattended in a vehicle in the casino parking garage while she played slot machines for approximately 40 minutes.
- Another patron left three minors, aged 8, 9, and 13, unattended in a hotel room at the Mount Airy Casino Resort for nearly two hours while she participated in table gaming.
These actions highlight a growing concern within the gaming industry regarding the safety of minors in gambling venues. The PGCB reiterated the critical reminder that adults must not leave children unattended in any capacity while they engage in gaming activities.
Preventive Measures and Public Awareness Campaign
In response to these incidents, the PGCB is implementing measures aimed at fostering awareness and preventing similar occurrences in the future. They have launched an awareness campaign titled “Don’t Gamble with Kids,” aimed at emphasizing the importance of child supervision in casino environments. The campaign seeks to educate patrons about the responsibilities of adults while shaping a safer gaming experience for everyone involved.
Looking Ahead
The PGCB meeting concluded with a reminder of its next public session, which is set for 10:00 AM on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, in the Board’s Public Hearing Room located in the Strawberry Square Complex in Harrisburg. This meeting is expected to further discuss ongoing regulations and strategies to ensure a safe and fair gaming environment across Pennsylvania.
The penalties and decisions made by the PGCB serve as a crucial reminder of the importance of responsible gaming practices, the protection of minors, and the enforcement of self-exclusion policies. As the landscape of gambling evolves, the board remains committed to maintaining high standards and addressing violations that threaten the integrity of the gaming industry.
