Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board Takes Action: Fines and Exclusions at Live! Casino and Hotel Philadelphia
The landscape of the gaming industry in Pennsylvania continues to be closely monitored by regulatory bodies. Recently, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) convened and made headlines by approving a consent agreement that imposes a significant fine of $50,000 against Stadium Casino, the operator of the Live! Casino and Hotel Philadelphia. This decision underscores the PGCB’s commitment to upholding the integrity of gaming operations in the state.
Fine Against Stadium Casino
At a public meeting held on a Wednesday, PGCB members reviewed and accepted the findings presented by the Office of Enforcement Counsel (OEC) regarding a serious violation involving Stadium Casino. The violation in question was the casino allowing four individuals who were on the Board’s Self-Exclusion list to gamble. The Self-Exclusion list is a critical tool designed to assist individuals who wish to voluntarily prohibit themselves from participating in gaming activities due to potential gambling problems.
According to PGCB regulations, casinos are mandated to identify self-excluded patrons and deny them access to gaming privileges, including the cashing of checks and cash advances. The fine imposed on Stadium Casino serves as a reminder of the importance of compliance with these regulations and the repercussions when they are ignored.
Expanding the iGaming Involuntary Exclusion List
In addition to the fine imposed on Stadium Casino, the PGCB announced the addition of five individuals to the iGaming Involuntary Exclusion List. This action followed thorough investigations into fraudulent iGaming transactions, which were uncovered by the Bureau of Investigations and Enforcement. The violations included two primary categories of fraud:
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Creation of Fraudulent Accounts: Some individuals falsely obtained iGaming accounts using the names and identifiers of other patrons. In one notable instance, two individuals created 20 separate online accounts despite the operator’s regulations prohibiting more than one account per individual.
- Improper Fund Movements: Other individuals managed to deposit funds into their accounts through fraudulent means and subsequently withdrew significant sums without engaging in any gaming activities. For instance, one individual successfully withdrew $11,250 after using stolen identification and credit cards.
These actions illustrate PGCB’s ongoing effort to maintain a fair and secure online gambling environment for all participants.
Protection of Minors in Gaming Environments
The latest meeting also addressed issues concerning the protection of minors in and around casinos. The PGCB took action against two adults by placing them on the Involuntary Exclusion List for leaving minors unattended while engaging in gaming activities.
- One case involved a woman who left her 11-year-old child unattended in a vehicle for 40 minutes in the heat while she played slot machines.
- Another incident saw a different woman leaving three minors—aged 8, 9, and 13—unattended in a hotel room for almost two hours while she participated in table games.
Such situations prompted the PGCB to reiterate the importance of adult responsibility in gaming establishments and the potential dangers of leaving minors unattended. In response, the Board launched the "Don’t Gamble with Kids" campaign aimed at highlighting this serious issue and ensuring the safety of children in gaming environments.
Looking Ahead
The PGCB remains vigilant in its oversight of gambling activities throughout Pennsylvania. The next meeting of the Board is scheduled for 10:00 AM on November 20th, 2024, at the Strawberry Square Complex in Harrisburg. As PGCB continues to high-light its commitment to regulatory compliance and public safety, these actions represent just a few of the many efforts taken to ensure a responsible gaming atmosphere in Pennsylvania.
In conclusion, the recent rulings by the PGCB regarding fines and exclusions emphasize the Board’s dedication to maintaining the integrity of gaming in Pennsylvania. By holding operators accountable and promoting responsible gaming practices, the Board aims to protect both the participants and the broader community.
