Dauphin News

State Senators Jimmy Dillon and Chris Gebhard have successfully passed Senate Bill 1021 with a bipartisan majority of 13 to 1, focusing on child safety and responsible gaming in Pennsylvania. Senator Dillon expressed his gratitude to the committee members for their support, stating, “Every child deserves to be safe, and every individual struggling with gambling addiction deserves access to supportive resources.”

Senator Gebhard highlighted the concerning trend of children being left unattended in casinos, stating, “It is very unfortunate that at nearly every Gaming Control Board hearing we hear about the rise in cases of children, as young as two months old, left unattended while their parents gamble on the casino floor.”

SB 1021 introduces measures to promote responsible gaming and enhance child safety in casino facilities. It mandates casinos to implement efforts to dissuade patrons from leaving minors unattended through clear signage, notifications, and informative pamphlets. The bill also empowers casino employees to effectively identify and respond to situations involving unsupervised minors.

Furthermore, the legislation enables courts to direct individuals who violate casino self-exclusion lists to undergo evaluations for gambling disorders. This approach aims to offer support and pathways to recovery for those struggling with gambling addiction.

In response to over 285 incidents involving 464 children left unattended by gambling guardians in 2022, SB 1021 seeks to address this alarming trend with practical and compassionate measures to safeguard children and support individuals battling gambling addiction.

Senator Dillon emphasized the importance of the gaming industry in Pennsylvania’s economy, stating, “SB 1021 strengthens our commitment to child safety and responsible gaming, ensuring the industry’s continued prosperity and the well-being of our communities.”

The collaboration between Senators Dillon and Gebhard reflects a unified effort to protect vulnerable populations and promote a culture of responsibility and care within the gaming industry. They urge constituents to support these crucial measures to foster safer and more inclusive communities throughout Pennsylvania.