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PGCB Launches New Podcast Highlighting Pennsylvania Gaming Industry

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board has started a new podcast series focused on Pennsylvania gaming oversight, industry trends, and responsible gambling
The PGCB’s new podcast gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at Pennsylvania’s regulated gaming industry.
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The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board is hoping to give Pennsylvanians a closer look at how the state’s gaming industry operates with the launch of a new podcast and YouTube series.

The PGCB announced Tuesday the debut of “Behind the Bets in PA,” a multimedia series that will feature conversations with regulators and gaming industry professionals about the oversight of gambling across the commonwealth.

According to the board, the series is intended to educate the public about Pennsylvania’s regulated gaming market while also increasing transparency surrounding the agency’s work. Episodes will cover several topics, including gaming regulations, responsible gambling initiatives, enforcement efforts, emerging industry trends, and the economic impact of gaming in Pennsylvania.

PGCB Director of Communications Doug Harbach said in a statement:

“The goal of this series is to increase transparency and provide Pennsylvanians with an inside look at how gaming is responsibly regulated in the commonwealth.”

Harbach will serve as host of the podcast and video series.

First episode spotlights Pennsylvania gaming oversight

The first episode was released Tuesday and features PGCB Executive Director Kevin O’Toole discussing the role the agency plays in regulating one of the nation’s largest gambling markets.

O’Toole also discussed skill games, which remain one of the biggest unresolved issues in Pennsylvania gaming. During the podcast, O’Toole said the machines should fall under state gaming regulation.

“It’s gambling and it should be under the Gaming Control Act, but it’s not.”

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court is currently considering the legality of skill games, though there is no timetable for a ruling, O’Toole said.

“Many people are anxiously awaiting that decision.”

The podcast will be available on major audio streaming platforms, while video versions of the episodes will be posted on the PGCB’s official YouTube channel. The PGCB said new episodes will be released regularly.

Pennsylvania has become one of the country’s leading regulated gaming states since legalizing online gambling and sports betting in 2017. The PGCB currently oversees 18 retail casinos, video gaming terminals, fantasy sports contests, along with the following online gaming:

The PGCB is responsible for licensing operators, enforcing gaming laws, and monitoring compliance throughout the industry.

PA gaming revenue among best in the nation

The launch of the podcast comes as Pennsylvania’s gaming market continues to post strong revenue numbers.

According to PGCB figures, gaming operations generated nearly $3 billion in tax revenue and fees in 2025. Online casinos have continued to drive much of the market’s growth, delivering $3.46 billion in 2025 revenue.

Sports wagering remains a major contributor to overall revenue totals, recording $883.7 million last year.

The agency has increased its focus on public outreach and responsible gambling education in recent years. Earlier this year, the PGCB launched its “What’s Really at Stake?” campaign aimed at raising awareness about underage gambling and problem gambling prevention.

Through the new podcast series, the board appears to be expanding outreach efforts by giving players and residents a behind-the-scenes look at how Pennsylvania regulates its growing gaming industry.

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Corey Sharp

Lead Writer

Corey Sharp joined Catena Media in 2022 and is the go-to expert for Pennsylvania gambling. Born and raised in Philadelphia, PA, he previously worked for the Philadelphia Inquirer and NBC Sports Philadelphia as a sports journalist and content producer. In Corey’s role as Lead Writer for PlayPA, he works alongside a talented team of experts to bring you the most comprehensive and accurate coverage of gambling news in Pennsylvania. Corey’s contacts around the industry makes him a trusted source. Corey produces daily stories and features about the gambling space. Corey graduated from Holy Family University in Philadelphia with a bachelor’s degree in sports management.

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