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A Pennsylvania lawmaker is preparing legislation aimed at preventing students from accessing online gambling platforms while on school property.
Rep. Jason Ortitay, R-Washington, circulated a co-sponsorship memo this week outlining a proposal that would require licensed operators to use geolocation technology to block access to their platforms when users are physically located on school grounds.
Though legislation has not yet been formally introduced, underage and responsible gambling has been at the forefront for lawmakers and regulators across the state. Ortitay wrote in the memo:
“In the near future, I intend to introduce legislation to protect Pennsylvania students from accessing online gambling and sports wagering while at school.”
Proposal would require geofencing around schools
Pennsylvania’s regulated online gambling and sports wagering industry already relies on geolocation technology to ensure customers are physically located within state lines before placing wagers.
Ortitay’s proposal would expand that concept by requiring operators to establish geofences around school properties:
“My legislation would require interactive gaming and sports wagering certificate holders and operators to use geospatial technologies to prevent registered players from accessing online gaming and sports betting sites while physically located within the boundaries of school property.”
The lawmaker argued that Pennsylvania’s legal online gambling framework was designed for adults and not for use in educational settings.
“That framework was built for adults making lawful choices. It was never intended to reach into our classrooms.”
Ortitay added that students can currently use smartphones to access gambling sites and that some minors may be using a parent’s account credentials.
Bill inspired by gambling addiction tragedy
Ortitay said the proposal was inspired by the story of Ray Mikesell, a South Fayette Township resident whose addiction began while he was a student.
According to the memo, Mikesell’s addiction continued for years and ultimately led to his death. Ortitay wrote:
“This is not a hypothetical concern. His father has asked that we act so that no other family endures what his family has endured.”
The representative added that Mikesell’s father told him that “if this legislation helps even one person, it is worth it.” Ortitay wrote, “This bill is for Ray.”
Part of broader responsible gambling push
The proposal would add to a growing list of responsible gambling and consumer protection initiatives being pursued by Pennsylvania lawmakers and regulators.
Earlier this year, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board launched an awareness campaign warning about the risks of underage gambling and encouraging parents to discuss wagering with their children.
Meanwhile, a bipartisan group of lawmakers unveiled a package of online gambling consumer protection bills that would strengthen advertising disclosures, increase transparency around odds and promotions, and expand responsible gambling safeguards.
Lawmakers have also proposed consumer protection measures for Pennsylvania’s skill game industry. Some of those include age restrictions and responsible gaming requirements designed to keep gambling-style products away from minors.
If introduced, Ortitay’s legislation would represent one of the most targeted efforts yet to limit wagering access in school environments. The lawmaker called the proposal a “common-sense protection for our children” and urged colleagues to support the measure.
