HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania State Senators Jimmy Dillon (D, Philadelphia) and Chris Gebhard (R, Berks, Lancaster, and Lebanon) have successfully propelled Senate Bill 1021 through the Pennsylvania Senate Judiciary Committee. Garnering bipartisan support with a vote of 13 to 1, this legislation seeks to amend crucial aspects of the state’s criminal statutes, specifically targeting the issues of criminal trespass and endangering the welfare of children, in response to the growing concern over minors being left unattended in casino environments.
The passage of SB 1021 by the committee marks a pivotal moment in Pennsylvania’s legislative efforts to ensure the security of its youngest residents and provide meaningful support to individuals grappling with gambling addiction. “Every child deserves to be safe, and every individual struggling with gambling addiction deserves access to supportive resources,” Senator Dillon remarked, highlighting the dual focus of the bill. This sentiment was echoed by Senator Gebhard, who lamented the distressing trend of young children, some as young as two months old, being neglected by guardians engrossed in gambling activities.
At the heart of SB 1021 are measures designed to promote responsible gaming practices within the state’s bustling casino industry. The bill mandates that casinos take proactive steps to prevent patrons from leaving minors unattended. These include the deployment of clear signage throughout the facilities, the issuance of notifications during hotel check-ins, and the distribution of educational pamphlets aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of unsupervised children in such settings.
Moreover, the legislation empowers casino employees by providing them with specialized training to better identify and address situations involving unattended minors. This initiative underscores a commitment to not only react to these incidents but to prevent them from occurring in the first place.
Another critical component of SB 1021 is its approach to tackling gambling addiction. The bill allows courts to direct individuals who breach casino self-exclusion agreements to undergo evaluations for gambling disorders. This innovative strategy recognizes the importance of addressing the underlying causes of addiction, offering individuals a path toward recovery and rehabilitation, rather than solely focusing on punitive actions.
The urgency of these measures is underscored by alarming statistics reported by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, which recorded over 285 incidents involving 464 children left unattended by gambling guardians in 2022 alone. SB 1021 represents a comprehensive response to this disturbing trend, aiming to safeguard children and assist those battling addiction.
“Our casinos are vital to Pennsylvania’s economy, generating significant revenue and offering entertainment to millions,” Senator Dillon stated, emphasizing the importance of the gaming industry to the state’s financial health. “SB 1021 strengthens our commitment to child safety and responsible gaming, ensuring the industry’s continued prosperity and the well-being of our communities.”
As SB 1021 moves forward, it embodies a concerted effort by Pennsylvania’s lawmakers to protect vulnerable populations and foster a culture of responsibility and care within the gaming sector. Senators Dillon and Gebhard call on their constituents to rally behind this critical legislation, underscoring the need for safer, more inclusive communities across the state.
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