Pennsylvania Tackles Gambling Proliferation with New Protections

Pennsylvania is intensifying its efforts to aid problem gamblers as gambling activity proliferates across the state. The state has launched several notable initiatives seeking to address problem gambling.

Sen. Wayne Fontana is focusing on vulnerable age groups, including the 18-34 demographic, and wants to ban credit cards for gambling purposes under state law. He also wants to block operators from directly advertising to people on self-exclusion lists.

Josh Ercole, executive director of the Council on Compulsive Gambling of Pennsylvania, expressed concern about the lack of conversation at the appropriate level regarding gambling issues. He stated, "There's a lot to be concerned about because there are a lot of conversations that are not being had at the level that they should be, and we are seeing some situations that are becoming problematic."

Dr. Robert Tessier of the Pennsylvania Society of Addiction Medicine commented that harm from gambling has grown and more guardrails and protections are needed. He stated, "We've allowed this harm to grow up and now we need to put in some more guardrails and protections."

Birches Health has partnered with the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs to deliver treatment support and care services to individuals and families impacted by problem gambling. The Pennsylvania General Assembly backed funding for a digital gambling support platform to update the state’s approach to problem gambling.