Pennsylvania HB 2631 Targets School Gambling Access

Jonathan Rodriguez

Written by: Jonathan Rodriguez

Published: Thu Jun 18, 2026, 8:00 am ET

Read Time: 4 minutes

Pennsylvania HB 2631 Targets School Gambling Access

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Pennsylvania lawmakers have formally introduced House Bill 2631 (HB 2631). This is a measure designed to prevent students from accessing online gambling platforms while on school property. 

The proposal follows comments made last week by state Rep. Jason Ortitay, who noted that the then-unnamed bill was already being prepared by local legislators. HB 2631 requires operators to use geolocation, blocking online gambling and sports betting apps on K-12 school grounds.

State Rep. Jason Ortitay introduced the legislation alongside bipartisan co-sponsors. The bill comes amid growing concerns about underage gambling and the increasing accessibility of betting platforms through smartphones and mobile devices.

Supporters argue that the measure represents a targeted effort to strengthen consumer protections within the Pennsylvania gambling market. 

They also point to existing geolocation systems already used by US online sportsbooks and US online casinos to verify that customers are physically located within authorized jurisdictions.

HB 2631 Would Require Geofencing Around K-12 Schools

Under HB 2631, licensed online gambling operators would need to establish geofenced exclusion zones around K-12 school properties. As a result, users would be unable to access sportsbook or casino platforms while physically located on school grounds.

The legislation would apply to all licensed online gambling operators regulated by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board. Operators already employ geolocation technology to ensure compliance with state gambling laws. Therefore, supporters contend that expanding those capabilities to schools would not require entirely new systems.

The bill specifically targets access from school campuses rather than imposing broader restrictions on gambling activities. Lawmakers say the proposal would create a safeguard against students attempting to place wagers during school hours.

According to supporters, the measure addresses concerns that minors may gain access to gambling platforms through accounts belonging to parents, guardians, or other adults.

Why Lawmakers Introduced HB 2631

Rep. Ortitay, in a press release, said the legislation aims to keep gambling products out of classrooms and reduce exposure among young people.

"Our schools should be a place for learning, not a place to lose your future one bet at a time," Ortitay said. "The technology to stop this already exists. We are simply asking the operators who profit from gaming to make sure their products cannot be used by a child sitting in a classroom. This is common sense, and it is long overdue."

Lawmakers have expressed concern about the rise of mobile sports betting and online casino gaming. While Pennsylvania law restricts gambling participation to adults, supporters of the bill argue that students can still encounter gambling content or attempt to access platforms while at school.

Inspired by the Story of Ray Mikesell

The experience of Ray Mikesell, whose struggles with gambling addiction galvanized advocates seeking stronger protections, partly inspired the proposal.

Mikesell's father worked with lawmakers and responsible gambling advocates to support the legislation. Supporters say his story highlights the long-term consequences that gambling-related harm can have on individuals and families.

Advocates believe reducing exposure to gambling products among minors could help prevent future addiction problems. Such initiatives help encourage healthier habits among young people.

Responsible Gambling Efforts Continue in Pennsylvania

HB 2631 has generally received positive feedback from responsible gambling advocates. Many stakeholders view the proposal as a practical step toward limiting youth access to gambling products.

However, some experts argue that schools must pair technological safeguards with broader education initiatives. Advocates have argued that schools should provide additional resources to help students understand gambling risks and recognize warning signs of problematic behavior.

The legislation also arrives as regulators and lawmakers across the country continue examining ways to strengthen responsible gambling policies. As the online gaming sector expands, policymakers increasingly face pressure to balance consumer access with public health concerns.

What Happens Next?

The Pennsylvania House Gaming Oversight Committee will now review HB 2631. Committee members will evaluate the proposal before determining whether it should advance through the legislative process.

If approved, Pennsylvania would pioneer school-based geofencing for online betting, significantly strengthening the state's responsible gambling protections.

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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