Pennsylvania has opened a new regulatory front on gambling by simultaneously advancing initiatives targeting iGaming, online sports betting and the controversial skill games sector, a move that could redefine consumer protection standards and state oversight in one of the largest gambling markets in the United States.
The first legislative package was introduced by Democrat Tarik Khan (District 194) and Republican Jamie Flick (District 83), who released a bipartisan co-sponsorship memorandum on June 3, 2026, proposing three measures aimed at strengthening protections for online gambling consumers. The initiative comes as Pennsylvania continues to rank among the nation’s leading gaming jurisdictions, generating US$6.796 billion in total gaming revenue during 2025, up 10.7 percent year-on-year, while sports betting produced US$602.5 million in revenue from approximately US$8.8 billion in wagering handles.
Jamie Flick
The first proposal, the Pennsylvania Online Consumer Protection Act, would establish limits on deposit frequency within 24-hour periods, restrict push notifications and other potentially predatory marketing practices, strengthen safeguards against advertising directed at younger consumers and expand funding for gambling prevention, education and treatment programs.
Wayne Fontana
The second measure would prohibit the use of credit cards to fund online gambling accounts, serving as companion legislation to Senate Bill 265, introduced by Democratic Senator Wayne Fontana (District 42). Supporters argue that the proposal is designed to reduce the risk of consumers accumulating debt through gambling activity.
Ben Waxman
The third initiative would strengthen Pennsylvania’s self-exclusion program by prohibiting operators from sending promotions, bonuses or any other marketing materials to individuals who have voluntarily enrolled in exclusion lists. The measure complements Senate Bill 266, also sponsored by Fontana and currently under legislative review.
At the same time, Democratic Representative Ben Waxman (District 182) introduced House Bill 2557, known as the Skill Game Consumer Protection Act, which was referred to the Gaming Oversight Committee on June 1, 2026. The proposal seeks to amend Title 4 (Amusements) of Pennsylvania law and place skill games under the direct authority of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB).
Skill games currently operate in a legal gray area and are commonly found in bars, restaurants, convenience stores and other small businesses throughout the state. If approved, the legislation would grant the PGCB, chaired by Denise J. Smyler and led by Executive Director Kevin F. O’Toole, authority to regulate, supervise and operate sanctions, formally integrating the sector into Pennsylvania’s regulated gaming framework for the first time.
