Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB)

by

Adam Maclean

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, founded in 2004, regulates all gambling activity in Pennsylvania in accordance with the Pennsylvania Race Horse Development and Gaming Act. Gambling online was made legal in the state in 2017, and Pennsylvania was the fourth state to do so.

Commonwealth gaming

The primary responsibilities of the PGCB include licensing eligible companies and individuals and ensuring the integrity of legalized gambling through rigorous enforcement of laws and regulations. In doing so, the board aims to generate a significant source of revenue for the Commonwealth and enhance tourism.

The first online gambling sites in Pennsylvania were launched in 2019, and the state established a total of 39 licenses for interactive gaming. All of the current online license holders also operate brick-and-mortar casinos within the state.

How to check a license

To be certain that an operator is offering their services in Pennsylvania legally, there is a list of licensed interactive gaming certificate holders and operators available, which proivdes links to each operator's website. Additionally, there is a list of applicants waiting for their licenses to be approved, the Application Status Report.

Complaints and disputes

One responsibility of the PGCB is to investigate complaints and disputes of players. If a player has a complaint or dispute with a licensed operator, they can request that the board investigate the matter. This request must be submitted within 30 days of the incident in question by completing the relevant online form.

Note:

Before filling out the complaint form, a ticket number or complaint number must be obtained from the licensed operator. The form can not be completed without this information.

Play responsibly

The PGCB states that responsible gambling is a top priority, and operates a responsible play website to provide information and assistance to problem gamblers. There are links to multiple resources for the treatment of gambling addiction, and information about setting self-imposed limits, such as deposit limits, spend limits and time-based limits.

In 2020, Pennsylvania became the first state to offer a self-exclusion resource for online gamblers. The self-exclusion program allows players to voluntarily ban themselves from all forms of legalized gambling for a period of 1 year, 5 years or Lifetime. Self-exclusion can be registered at the PGCB website, or by scheduling an appointment with the Office of Compulsive and Problem Gambling by phone: 717-346-8300 or by email: problemgambling@pa.gov.