PA Problem Gambling Caucus Proposes HB 2879 Betting Caps

Jonathan Rodriguez

Written by: Jonathan Rodriguez

Published: Mon Oct 26, 2026, 9:00 am ET

Read Time: 4 minutes

PA Problem Gambling Caucus Proposes HB 2879 Betting Caps

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Pennsylvania lawmakers have launched a bipartisan Problem Gambling Caucus as they push for stronger protections against online gambling addiction.

The initiative coincides with House Bill 2879 (HB 2879), legislation proposing new restrictions on online casinos and sports betting. Together, the developments signal a growing focus on the public-health risks associated with mobile gambling.

The timing comes as Pennsylvania's gambling market continues to generate record revenue. The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board reported approximately $7.01 billion in total gaming revenue for fiscal year 2025-26, including nearly $2.93 billion from internet casino gaming. 

These figures highlight the scale of the market lawmakers want to regulate as they consider additional consumer protections.

State Reps. Tarik Khan, a Democrat, and Jamie Flick, a Republican, introduced the bill on October 21, 2026. The legislation draws on research examining gambling addiction, industry marketing practices, and consumer protections. 

Meanwhile, the new caucus will bring lawmakers together to address problem gambling through research, prevention, and public education.

Pennsylvania Lawmakers Establish Bipartisan Problem Gambling Caucus

The caucus aims to strengthen Pennsylvania's response to gambling-related harm as betting apps become increasingly accessible. Senate chair Joe Picozzi highlighted the need to update consumer protections as online gambling continues to evolve.

"With sports betting and online casinos just a tap away, we need to make sure our laws and consumer protections keep pace. That means taking a serious look at gambling addiction, protecting young adults and other vulnerable Pennsylvanians, and promoting responsible gaming," said Picozzi.

The initiative reflects concerns about the accessibility of gambling products through smartphones, particularly among younger adults. Lawmakers also want to examine how advertising, promotions, and operator incentives can influence betting behavior.

The caucus plans to hold its first formal meeting in January 2027. Its members intend to use research and bipartisan cooperation to develop responses to problem gambling across the state.

HB 2879 Proposes Sweeping Online Gambling Restrictions

HB 2879 would introduce a range of consumer protections for Pennsylvania's online casino and sports betting markets. Its provisions target gambling features, payment methods, promotional practices, and spending patterns that lawmakers believe can increase harm.

The bill would prohibit microbets and certain VIP programs designed to encourage increased betting. It would also ban credit-card funding for online gambling accounts and limit players to two deposits within a 24-hour period.

Additionally, operators would need to assess affordability before accepting deposits exceeding $5,000 over 180 days. The proposal would require daily and monthly loss limits, with lower thresholds for younger adults. It would also establish default gambling-session time limits and prohibit autoplay features.

The legislation further seeks to restrict gambling advertisements targeting minors and young adults. It would also curb AI-driven promotions aimed at customers showing signs of gambling-related risk.

To support prevention and treatment, HB 2879 proposes a 0.75% assessment on online gaming and sports wagering revenue. The funds would support problem-gambling education, treatment, research, and related data infrastructure.

However, these measures remain proposals rather than existing legal requirements. The bill was referred to the House Gaming Oversight Committee on October 21.

Research Highlights Risks Among Online Bettors

The legislation follows a statewide study that identified concentrated spending among a small share of sports bettors. According to the findings, just 5.7% of online sports bettors accounted for 80% of gambling expenditure.

The study also found that 0.5% of customers generated more than 70% of VIP-program revenue at one sportsbook during 2019 and 2020. Lawmakers cited these findings when calling for stronger oversight of promotional practices and incentives.

Khan said the legislation seeks to address the risks identified by researchers without preventing recreational gambling.

"People should be free to enjoy an occasional bet," Khan said in a press release. "But the gambling industry shouldn't be allowed to exploit addiction for profit. We studied the problem, we followed the evidence, and now we're taking bipartisan action to protect Pennsylvanians."

These concerns extend beyond Pennsylvania, as regulators nationwide debate safeguards for US online sportsbooks and US online casinos. Pennsylvania's approach would place greater emphasis on spending limits, affordability assessments, and restrictions on targeted promotions.

Pennsylvania Gambling Policy Faces a Potential Shift

Pennsylvania's growing gambling market presents lawmakers with the challenge of balancing consumer protection and commercial activity. 

The record $7.01 billion in annual gaming revenue underscores the industry's economic significance, while the proposed safeguards focus on reducing gambling-related harm.

If enacted, HB 2879 could require operators to change payment procedures, promotional strategies, player monitoring, and platform features. The proposed rules would also expand funding for prevention, treatment, and research.

Nevertheless, the legislation must progress through the General Assembly before any provisions can take effect. The new caucus provides a forum for lawmakers to continue examining gambling-related harm. 

Its work, alongside HB 2879's legislative progress, will shape the next stage of Pennsylvania gambling policy.

Jonathan Rodriguez
Jonathan Rodriguez

Jonathan is an avid basketball fan, and is often looking forward to the next upcoming NBA season when not checking players' stats during games. He also likes to keep his ears on the ground for the latest rumblings in the online casino industry.

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