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Harrisburg, Pa. \u2014 State Rep. Jamie Flick, R-Lycoming\/Union, and state Rep. Tarik Khan, D-Philadelphia, have introduced bipartisan legislation that they say would protect Pennsylvanians from online gambling addiction and predatory industry practices, according to a release from Khan\u2019s office.<\/p>\n
The announcement came as lawmakers launched a new bipartisan Problem Gambling Caucus on Wednesday, the release says. Flick and Khan are both members.<\/p>\n
Flick said protecting young people is a priority.<\/p>\n
\u201cKids today are growing up surrounded by sports betting advertisements and gambling apps,\u201d Flick said. \u201cWe need to make sure the next generation isn\u2019t being drawn into gambling addiction before they fully understand the risks. This bipartisan bill puts meaningful protections in place, especially for young adults who are particularly vulnerable.\u201d<\/p>\n
According to the release, the legislation would:<\/p>\n
Ban rapid-fire microbets and predatory VIP programs that encourage excessive gambling.Prohibit credit-card gambling and establish financial safeguards, including deposit and loss limits.Restrict gambling advertising aimed at minors and young adults.Crack down on AI-driven promotions that target people vulnerable to gambling addiction.Establish limits on gambling time and prohibit automatic wagering.Fund addiction prevention, treatment and research through an assessment on online gambling revenue.<\/p>\n
The bill would also give the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs additional responsibilities under a public health approach to online gambling, the release says.<\/p>\n
The legislation builds on a Joint State Government Commission study commissioned through a 2025 resolution introduced by Khan, which the House approved 189-14. Released in July, the study found that 5.7% of online sports bettors accounted for 80% of gambling expenditures and that at one sportsbook, 0.5% of customers generated more than 70% of revenue through its VIP program, according to the release.<\/p>\n
\u201cProblem gambling ruins lives and destroys families,\u201d said Khan, a nurse practitioner. \u201cThat\u2019s why I pushed for this statewide study in the first place. What we found was deeply troubling: Gambling companies using predatory practices to keep people betting, even as they\u2019re losing everything. This study became the foundation of our bipartisan legislation to hold these Wall Street bookies accountable and protect Pennsylvania families.\u201d<\/p>\n
Khan said the bill is not meant to prohibit responsible recreational gambling.<\/p>\n
\u201cPeople should be free to enjoy an occasional bet,\u201d Khan said. \u201cBut the gambling industry shouldn\u2019t be allowed to exploit addiction for profit. We studied the problem, we followed the evidence, and now we\u2019re taking bipartisan action to protect Pennsylvanians.\u201d<\/p>\n
The release did not include a response from the gambling industry.<\/p>\n
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