Pennsylvania Lawmaker Proposes Mandatory Monthly Statements for Online Gaming Users
Pennsylvania Rep. Joe Webster proposes requiring licensed online gaming firms to send users monthly activity statements, modeled on a 2022 Australian measure. A University of Sydney study links the statements to positive behavior changes among those most affected. The step responds to a 300% hotline call increase from 2021 to 2024, 37% online-related.
SCCG Take — The proposal puts pressure on operators and the PGCB to prioritize transparency tools amid rising problem gambling indicators. It highlights the need to test proven international measures in Pennsylvania’s regulated market.
A lawmaker in Pennsylvania is advocating for new consumer protections in online gaming by introducing legislation for mandatory monthly activity statements.
Rep. Joe Webster argues that the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) and lawmakers could learn from Australia’s 2022 implementation of similar measures. A University of Sydney study found the statements helped the people worst affected by gambling-related problems, motivating positive behavioral changes.
“It is for these reasons that I am introducing legislation to require licensed online gaming companies that operate in Pennsylvania to provide monthly activity statements to users,” Webster explained, as reported by GamblingNews.
The lawmaker expressed concern over the state’s increasing gambling take and revenue for licensed companies, which has coincided with more self-reported problem gamblers.
Surge in Demand for Problem Gambling Support
Webster has pointed out that there were more calls and texts to the Pennsylvania problem gambling hotline, with an increase in reach-outs jumping by 300% from 2021 to 2024. 37% of these reach-outs have been tied to online wagering.
“Problem gambling negatively affects families across the Commonwealth, and this consumer protection measure will provide important transparency to make it easier for Pennsylvanians to know what they are wagering,” Webster added.
The Case for Adopting Proven Harm Reduction Tools
This proposal reflects an effort to introduce greater transparency into players’ gambling activity. By adopting an approach that has shown results in another jurisdiction, Pennsylvania aims to address the worsening trends in problem gambling. The measure focuses on equipping users with clear information on their wagering as hotline contacts rise.
Reporting: GamblingNews
Generated by SCCG’s automated editorial system from published source reporting. SCCG Management holds editorial responsibility.
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