Pennsylvania Senator Introduces Bill to Protect Self-Excluded Gamblers from Targeted Advertising

Current Status and Legislative Support

This legislation seeks to prohibit gambling operators from targeting self-excluded individuals with advertisements and promotional materials.

The bill is currently under consideration by the Community, Economic and Recreational Development Committee. With bipartisan support, including backing from a Republican senator, the bill has less than two weeks to advance before the state’s legislative session concludes on June 30.

Despite the tight timeline, the bipartisan backing improves its chances of progression.

Key Provisions of Senate Bill 1211

The bill seeks to eliminate the possibility of self-excluded gamblers receiving advertisements or promotional communications from gambling operators. Currently, self-excluded individuals can still receive such messages via social media, email, or phone.

If enacted, the bill would prohibit licensed gambling operators from sending promotional offers, such as free spins, credits, rewards, or any monetary incentives, to individuals on the self-exclusion list.

The proposed legislation also includes a ban on extending credit to self-excluded individuals. Additionally, it would prevent operators from offering player reward programs, complementary services, or any other privileges to those who have opted for self-exclusion.

According to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, there are currently 19,678 self-excluded individuals in the state as of June 10. Senator Fontana’s proposal aims to protect these individuals and others who may self-exclude in the future from being targeted by gambling advertisements and incentives.