HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) has taken decisive enforcement actions, including the imposition of $81,575 in fines and additional measures to safeguard minors, during its most recent meeting. These moves underscore the state’s commitment to holding gaming operators accountable and ensuring safe, regulated environments across Pennsylvania’s gaming establishments.
Fines for Regulatory Noncompliance
The fines stem from two consent agreements with PID, LLC, the operator of Presque Isle Downs & Casino in Erie County. The first fine of $50,000 was issued due to the casino operating with fewer active slot machines than its approved allocation—an infraction the Board viewed as a significant lapse in maintaining required operational standards. The second fine of $31,575 penalized the operator for failing to submit a Principal License application within the mandated timeframe.
The PGCB emphasized the importance of regulatory compliance in sustaining Pennsylvania’s robust gaming industry. Consent agreements, detailing violations and corrective actions, are accessible through the Board’s Office of Communications.
Stricter Measures on Neglectful Behavior
The PGCB also addressed cases involving individuals who left children unattended while engaging in gambling activities. During the session, three individuals were added to the Board’s Involuntary Exclusion List after leaving minors alone in unsafe conditions near gaming facilities.
Among the incidents highlighted was one where a male patron at Rivers Casino Philadelphia left a 5-year-old child unattended in a vehicle parked in the valet lot for 12 minutes. Another case involved a male patron at Wind Creek Casino who left a 10-year-old alone in a parked car with no running engine and windows rolled up for 45 minutes on a 90-degree day while gambling on slot machines.
The Board also denied removal requests for individuals previously placed on the exclusion list. This included a female patron who, in 2022, left three minors aged 10, 14, and 15 unattended in a vehicle for over an hour and a half while she gambled at Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course.
To combat such incidents, the Board continues to emphasize its “Don’t Gamble with Kids” awareness campaign. The initiative seeks to deter patrons from endangering minors, warning against leaving children unattended in vehicles, parking lots, or other casino-related facilities due to the associated risks.
Broader Implications and Next Steps
Currently, 1,344 individuals are listed across the PGCB’s various exclusion lists, which prohibit violators from accessing any Pennsylvanian gaming establishment, including casinos, online betting platforms overseen by the state, and Video Gaming Terminal (VGT) locations. These lists form a critical tool in maintaining integrity and public safety within the Commonwealth’s gaming sector.
The PGCB also announced that its next public meeting is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at the Strawberry Square Complex in Harrisburg. These sessions allow the Board to assess compliance reports, discuss future regulatory adjustments, and take necessary enforcement actions.
Looking Ahead
The measures enacted by the PGCB aim to ensure that Pennsylvania’s gaming venues remain compliant and safe for all. By enforcing sizeable fines and taking firm stances against neglectful behavior, the Board reinforces its role as a regulator prioritizing consumer safety and operator accountability.
As Pennsylvania’s gaming industry continues to flourish, the Board’s persistent efforts to uphold laws and promote safety emphasize its role in fostering a responsible and sustainable gaming environment for residents and visitors alike.
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