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A pair of Pennsylvania lawmakers from opposite sides of the political aisle plans to introduce a package of bills aimed at addressing problem gambling and adding new consumer protections for Pennsylvania online casino and sports wagering customers.
Reps. Tarik Khan, D-Philadelphia, and Jamie Flick, R-Lycoming/Union, announced the legislative package, framing problem gambling as a public health issue as online wagering continues to expand across the commonwealth.
The proposals would place new restrictions on gambling operators’ marketing practices, prohibit the use of credit cards to fund online gambling accounts, and strengthen protections for individuals enrolled in Pennsylvania’s self-exclusion program.
The lawmakers said the bills are designed to balance consumer protections with support for Pennsylvania’s regulated gaming industry.
Khan said in a statement:
“As a nurse practitioner, I believe we should address problem gambling the same way we address other public health challenges: with prevention, education, treatment, and commonsense safeguards.
“Our bipartisan bill package will help protect young people, individuals and families while supporting responsible gaming.”
Pennsylvania’s iGaming industry generated more than $3.5 billion in revenue in 2025, while sports operators accepted billions in wagers, making the commonwealth one of the largest regulated online gambling markets in the US.
Consumer protection bill targets deposits, marketing
The centerpiece of the package is the Pennsylvania Online Consumer Protection Act.
According to a co-sponsorship memo circulated to House members, the bill would establish limits on the frequency of deposits into online gambling accounts within a 24-hour period.
It would also restrict certain marketing practices, including push notifications and text-message solicitations. It would also increase protections against advertising aimed at young people.
The proposal would further expand investments in prevention, education, treatment, and responsible gaming programs.
The lawmakers cited concerns that the growth of iGaming and Pennsylvania sportsbooks has made gambling available around the clock. Constant access on smartphones, tablets, and computers, creates risks for vulnerable consumers.
Khan and Flick wrote in the memo:
“Problem gambling is increasingly recognized as a public health issue because of the significant harm it can cause to mental health, financial security and family stability.”
The legislators also pointed to research suggesting a disproportionate share of gambling revenue comes from individuals experiencing gambling-related harm.
Credit card ban mirrors Senate proposal
A second bill would prohibit players from using credit cards to fund online gambling accounts.
The legislation would serve as a House companion to Senate Bill 265 and is intended to reduce the accumulation of gambling-related debt. Consumer advocates have long argued that allowing gamblers to wager with borrowed money can accelerate gambling-related debt and financial harm.
Pennsylvania currently allows iGaming and sports wagering customers to fund accounts through a variety of payment methods, including some forms of credit. DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and Caesars have voluntarily prohibited credit cards as a form of funding.
Self-exclusion protections would expand
The third bill would strengthen Pennsylvania’s self-exclusion program.
The measure, which would serve as a House companion to Senate Bill 266, would prohibit licensed operators from sending advertisements, promotions, bonuses or other marketing materials to individuals who have voluntarily enrolled in the state’s self-exclusion database.
Pennsylvania’s self-exclusion program allows players to bar themselves from gambling activities for specified periods. Individuals on the list are prohibited from collecting winnings and can face additional penalties if they attempt to gamble.
Two self-excluded gamblers were denied jackpots earlier this week at separate Pennsylvania retail casinos.
Under the proposal, operators would be required to ensure self-excluded individuals are removed from marketing lists.
Focus on younger gamblers
Khan and Flick said the legislation is partly a response to growing concerns about younger adults’ exposure to gambling advertisements. Flick added:
“Too many young people are being exposed to online gambling through constant advertising and unprecedented access from their phones and devices.
“These bills are about putting reasonable safeguards in place, promoting responsible gaming and helping ensure that young people and families are protected from gambling-related harm.”
The legislation has not yet been formally introduced. However, the lawmakers are seeking co-sponsors ahead of filing the bills in the House.
