The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board has imposed a $10,000 fine on gambling operator Washington Trotting Association over problem gambling breach allegations. As CBS News reports, the Board has introduced the measure after the operator of Hollywood Casino in Washington County facilitated gambling activities for a person listed in problem gambling records.
Breach Allegations:
The facilitation of gambling activities to persons involved in problem gambling programs represents a violation of the legislature applicable to gambling industry stakeholders and customers. As the subject person was reportedly included in the self-exclusion list, this person’s recent gambling activities conducted on the premises of Hollywood Casino at the Meadows in Washington County have triggered the regulator’s charges against the casino operator.
According to the Board and as cited by CBS News, the operator allegedly committed the breach by allowing the person to gamble at slot machines and cash checks inside the property. The Board reportedly stated that casino operators are legally obliged to deny gambling for persons listed in the self-exclusion record and to facilitate any financial transactions or privileges, such as cashing checks.
$10,000 Fine for Non-Compliance:
As CBS News reports, the persons involved in the self-exclusion program may be charged with defiant trespass if they were caught gambling. According to the Board, that happened in the Hollywood Casino case. The operator, Washington Trotting Association, has to pay the $10,000 fine for the alleged failure to keep the self-exclusion-listed person off the gaming machines.
Recent Failure:
According to the source, the charges against the Hollywood Casino operator are not an exclusive example of the problem gambling breach allegations. The case follows the $30,000 fine imposed on Live! Casino in Westmoreland County in October 2023 for letting a juvenile and two people from the self-exclusion records gamble on the casino property.
Self-Exclusion Program Design:
Self-exclusion programs are offered across the state to help people refrain from the temptation of gambling by staying physically away from gambling facilities. These programs are designed for people who cannot resist gambling and therefore seek a legal device to prevent themselves from accessing land-based casinos, sports books, or race tracks, as well as online gaming and sports betting options.
Gaming Revenue Records:
The Board prescribes the same rules for 17 land-based casinos in Pennsylvania. As reported by CBS News, the gambling industry in the state generated a record $5.7 billion in revenue in 2023 to funnel a $2.35 billion annual tax revenue to the state, according to the Board. The trend continues in 2024 as the industry’s revenues exceeded $500 million in March for the first time since the 2006 launch, according to CBS News.