Since sports betting and online gambling were legalized nearly a decade ago, Pennsylvanians have gained around-the-clock access to online casinos and sportsbooks from virtually anywhere through their phones, tablets, and computers. While many individuals gamble responsibly, the explosive growth of online gambling, coupled with increasingly aggressive marketing practices and a lack of commonsense guardrails, has raised concerns about addiction, significant personal debt, and the impact of problem gambling on individuals, families, and communities.
 
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. As online gambling continues to expand and operators employ increasingly aggressive marketing tactics, concerns continue to grow about its impact on debt, mental health, and overall well-being. These concerns are particularly acute among young adults, especially young men, who are increasingly exposed to online gambling platforms and targeted advertising. Research suggests that a disproportionate share of gambling revenue comes from individuals experiencing gambling-related harm, highlighting the need for stronger guardrails to protect individuals and families.
 
This bipartisan package draws from bipartisan legislation introduced in Pennsylvania and Colorado that seeks to address problem gambling through commonsense consumer protections, responsible gaming measures, and public health-focused safeguards.

Together, these bills take a balanced approach that protects consumers, supports responsible gaming, and treats problem gambling as the public health issue it is.
 
The package includes: