Failed Checkpoints
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) has established a self-exclusion program aimed at helping individuals who struggle with gambling addiction. This program allows individuals to voluntarily exclude themselves from casinos, ensuring they cannot access slot machines, table games, poker rooms, and other amenities. However, the responsibility to enforce this self-exclusion lies squarely on the shoulders of the casinos. They are tasked with identifying individuals on the self-excluded list and denying them entry. Unfortunately, recent incidents have highlighted significant failures in this system.
In December 2021, a troubling case emerged involving The Cordish Companies, the owner and operator of the Live! Casinos & Hotels chain. A self-excluded individual managed to gamble on ten different slot machines. Despite a casino representative checking their identification, the individual was allowed access because the casino’s database failed to flag their name. The issue stemmed from a discrepancy involving a middle initial on the visitor’s ID, which led to a catastrophic oversight. This incident is particularly alarming given that the self-exclusion list is designed to protect vulnerable individuals from the very temptations they are trying to avoid.
The situation escalated further when this same self-excluded patron gambled an astonishing $36,900 during a mere 55-minute blackjack session. Such lapses not only undermine the integrity of the self-exclusion program but also raise questions about the effectiveness of the safeguards in place to protect those in need.
The failures did not stop there. In November 2022, another self-excluded individual managed to gamble $9,600 at a roulette table, cashing out with $4,700 after a lengthy 21-hour visit to the casino. These incidents starkly illustrate the shortcomings of the current system and the potential harm that can arise when casinos do not adequately enforce self-exclusion protocols.
The PA Gaming Market
The PGCB has been proactive in addressing these failures, as evidenced by their recent actions against various operators in the Pennsylvania gaming market. In April, the board issued a $10,000 fine to the Washington Trotting Association, LLC, which operates the Hollywood Casino at the Meadows in Washington County, located just a half-hour from Pittsburgh. This fine was levied after the casino allowed a self-excluded gambler to use a slot machine and cash checks, further demonstrating the ongoing challenges in enforcing self-exclusion measures.
In addition to these incidents, the PGCB has also taken steps to combat fraudulent activities within the gaming market. Recently, five individuals were added to the iGaming Involuntary Exclusion List due to fraudulent transactions. In one notable case, two individuals used false identification to open an iGaming account, which they then filled with fraudulent funds. They withdrew these funds without engaging in any gaming activities, creating a total of 20 different accounts in violation of the operator’s terms and conditions.
The PGCB’s efforts to maintain the integrity of the gaming market extend beyond self-exclusion. They have also imposed bans on individuals who illegally requested reversals of payment to their credit cards, with one case involving a reversal of $11,125 and another for $21,600. These actions reflect the board’s commitment to ensuring a fair and responsible gaming environment.
Pennsylvania’s gaming market is one of the most lucrative in the United States, generating an impressive $5.7 billion from gambling last year. With projections indicating that this record will be surpassed in 2024, the importance of robust regulatory measures and effective enforcement of self-exclusion protocols cannot be overstated. As the market continues to grow, so too must the efforts to protect vulnerable individuals and maintain the integrity of the gaming industry.