As March Madness gets underway, nearly $6 billion worth of wagering on sports has occurred in Pennsylvania since July, with roughly 95% of it coming online through apps or websites.Monthly report from Pa. Gaming Control BoardThe Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board’s latest monthly report says $5.9 billion in wagers have been placed on sports wagers heading into March, resulting in some $472.5 million in taxable revenue for casinos and $160.7 million in revenue for the state during the current fiscal year.Doug Harbach, communications director for the PCGB, said the accessibility of sports wagering on phones and computers, combined with in-game betting on a number of proposition bets or outcomes, is driving the trend.”Simply, the accessibility of it is much easier. It’s right in your hand whenever you want to participate in sports wagering,” he said.Problem gambling becoming more accessible But Harbach also noted that there is a reality that problem gambling may itself be much more accessible to those struggling with gambling disorders. He said apps and websites typically have voluntary features to limit how often players can bet, cap the amount of money they can deposit or bet, and place users on a “cooling off” period.But Harbach noted that, like Pennsylvania casinos and gambling establishments, users can also take more drastic steps if needed.”An individual can ban themselves, whether it’s a land-based casino where they can ban themselves from any of the online gambling, for either a year, five years or a lifetime, if they believe that they’ve developed a problem,” he said.March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month. You can find resources to help someone struggling with a gambling disorder at the Council on Compulsive Gambling of Pennsylvania’s website.
HARRISBURG, Pa. —
As March Madness gets underway, nearly $6 billion worth of wagering on sports has occurred in Pennsylvania since July, with roughly 95% of it coming online through apps or websites.
Monthly report from Pa. Gaming Control Board
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board’s latest monthly report says $5.9 billion in wagers have been placed on sports wagers heading into March, resulting in some $472.5 million in taxable revenue for casinos and $160.7 million in revenue for the state during the current fiscal year.
Doug Harbach, communications director for the PCGB, said the accessibility of sports wagering on phones and computers, combined with in-game betting on a number of proposition bets or outcomes, is driving the trend.
“Simply, the accessibility of it is much easier. It’s right in your hand whenever you want to participate in sports wagering,” he said.
Problem gambling becoming more accessible
But Harbach also noted that there is a reality that problem gambling may itself be much more accessible to those struggling with gambling disorders. He said apps and websites typically have voluntary features to limit how often players can bet, cap the amount of money they can deposit or bet, and place users on a “cooling off” period.
But Harbach noted that, like Pennsylvania casinos and gambling establishments, users can also take more drastic steps if needed.
“An individual can ban themselves, whether it’s a land-based casino where they can ban themselves from any of the online gambling, for either a year, five years or a lifetime, if they believe that they’ve developed a problem,” he said.
March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month. You can find resources to help someone struggling with a gambling disorder at the Council on Compulsive Gambling of Pennsylvania’s website.