Pennsylvania Study Urges Changes to Online Gambling Rules

Jonathan Rodriguez

Written by: Jonathan Rodriguez

Published: Fri Jul 17, 2026, 8:00 am ET

Read Time: 5 minutes

Pennsylvania Study Urges Changes to Online Gambling Rules

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A new Pennsylvania study is urging lawmakers to reconsider how the state regulates online gambling and sports betting.

The Joint State Government Commission released its report after lawmakers approved House Resolution 60 (HR 60) in 2025. The resolution directed the bipartisan research agency to examine sports betting and related interactive gambling.

The study examined problem gambling, youth exposure to advertising, and industry marketing practices. It also explored how modern betting features can influence gambling behavior.

The report does not create new laws by itself. Instead, it gives lawmakers a framework for potential changes to Pennsylvania gambling regulations.

The findings could affect operators, bettors, and the wider US online sportsbooks and US online casinos markets. Pennsylvania has developed one of the largest regulated gambling markets in the United States.

Pennsylvania Could Consider Major Gambling Restrictions

Following the HR 60 study, lawmakers could consider several changes to Pennsylvania's gambling rules.

One proposal would ban credit card deposits for online gambling. The measure would prevent players from funding sports betting and iGaming accounts with borrowed money.

Lawmakers could also restrict or prohibit in-play betting. These wagers allow players to bet during live sporting events.

The study also raises concerns about micro-betting. These wagers cover individual plays or short periods of a game.

Pennsylvania could introduce stronger restrictions on gambling advertising and promotions. Those changes could address marketing near minors and vulnerable individuals.

Lawmakers could also consider limits on online casino products. These measures could affect the structure and availability of certain games.

In addition, Pennsylvania could strengthen consumer protections and responsible gambling measures. Potential reforms could address betting limits, self-exclusion, and operator marketing practices.

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) is also pursuing its own regulatory changes. The board has proposed updates covering compulsive and problem gambling requirements.

Those updates include casino and interactive gaming self-exclusion rules. They also address player accounts and other responsible gambling requirements.

The PGCB's work shows that regulatory changes could advance without waiting for new legislation. As a result, lawmakers and regulators are now pursuing parallel tracks.

HR 60 Examined Problem Gambling, Youth Protection and Industry Practices

Problem Gambling

The HR 60 study examined the prevalence of gambling disorders across Pennsylvania. It also assessed the consequences that gambling-related harm can create.

Those consequences include personal debt and mental health issues. The report also considered the broader social costs of problem gambling.

The study describes online gambling as an urgent public health concern. Its findings could push lawmakers to consider stronger consumer protections.

Youth Protection

HR 60 also examined how children encounter gambling advertising. The study considered marketing through sports broadcasts, webcasts, social media, and other channels.

It also examined celebrity endorsements and other promotional strategies. Lawmakers wanted to understand whether these tactics disproportionately reach minors.

The report's findings could support stronger limits on gambling advertising. Those restrictions could target marketing near schools, college campuses, and other locations.

Industry Practices

The study examined how betting platforms encourage higher levels of play. Its review included in-game micro-betting and VIP programs.

It also considered AI-driven promotions and personalized marketing. These tools can help operators tailor offers to individual customers.

The report raises concerns about features that could encourage more frequent gambling. Lawmakers could use these findings when designing future regulations.

Pennsylvania Faces Two Broad Regulatory Paths

The HR 60 report presents Pennsylvania lawmakers with two broad approaches.

The first option would rely on additional research and player data. Under this approach, operators would provide anonymized information about deposits, wagers, and playing patterns.

Researchers could then identify behaviors linked to gambling-related harm. Lawmakers could use those findings to create more targeted restrictions.

This approach could preserve more industry revenue. It would also allow Pennsylvania to focus on the riskiest products and behaviors.

The second option would involve faster action. Lawmakers could immediately introduce measures targeting practices linked to problem gambling.

Those measures could include credit card restrictions and tighter advertising rules. They could also establish new limits on gambling products and operator promotions.

This approach could protect consumers sooner. At the same time, broader restrictions could reduce gambling revenue with less precision.

The PGCB's ongoing rulemaking adds another layer to the debate. The board can advance certain regulatory changes independently through its existing authority.

Pennsylvania's Gambling Industry Has Reached Record Levels

The debate comes as Pennsylvania's gambling market continues to expand.

Currently, Pennsylvania has 18 retail casinos alongside online casino gaming and mobile sports betting. Its wider gambling market also includes fantasy sports and video gaming terminals.

Pennsylvania gamblers lost a record $6.8 billion in 2025. The figure marked the state's fifth consecutive year of record gaming revenue.

The state's online market has also become a major part of the industry. As a result, Pennsylvania remains an important market for US online sportsbooks and US online casinos.

That growth creates a difficult policy challenge for lawmakers. Gambling provides substantial tax revenue while raising concerns about addiction and consumer protection.

The HR 60 study now puts those competing priorities at the center of Pennsylvania's regulatory debate. Lawmakers must decide whether to pursue targeted reforms or introduce broader restrictions.

Meanwhile, the PGCB is already updating parts of the regulatory framework. Its work could shape the industry's rules before the legislature adopts new laws.

Either path could significantly reshape Pennsylvania gambling. For now, the HR 60 report gives the General Assembly a detailed framework for deciding how the state should regulate its expanding online market.

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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