House adopts resolution to study sports betting, adds probe of incentive programs

The Pennsylvania House on May 14 adopted House Resolution 60 directing the Joint State Government Commission to study sports betting and related interactive gambling in the commonwealth, including recommendations to reduce problem gambling and limit youth exposure to gambling advertising.

The resolution, introduced by Representative Khan and amended on the floor, calls for analysis of marketing strategies and added provisions to examine loan, bonus, VIP and other incentive programs used by licensees and to solicit recommendations on employee training to identify and respond to problem gambling.

The amendment expanding the study was offered by Representative Harkins and credited language from Representative Kephart. Representative Harkins told colleagues the amendment would “expand the study to include information on loan, bonus, VIP, and incentive programs” and ask for recommendations to reduce problem gambling behaviors and on employee training. Representative Kephart spoke in support, saying he worked with colleagues to tighten the language.

Representative Khan, one of the resolution’s prime sponsors, argued that legalization of sports betting since 2018 has substantially increased state revenue but also coincided with a rise in problematic gambling, particularly among young adults and Black men. Khan said, “There is about at least a 30% increase in problematic gaming here in Pennsylvania,” and added that “1 in 5 people here in Pennsylvania that sports gamble are blowing at least a quarter of their entire paycheck on sports gambling.” He called the study a needed step to protect residents.

Representative Dimon, the minority chairman of Gaming Oversight, said he supported the resolution, arguing the study would “help us understand the needs of these problem gamblers even more and help us know what resources are needed for their recovery.” Dimon also noted stakeholder concerns raised in committee, including college-athlete protections brought up by Villanova.

On the floor, members voted to adopt amendment A00733 (agreed to on voice/roll call; the clerk recorded the ayes as 203 and nays as 0 on the amendment vote). On final passage, the clerk recorded 189 ayes and 14 nays and announced the resolution adopted.

The joint commission study directed by HR 60 will compile findings and recommendations; the resolution’s language asks for regulatory options aimed at reducing problem gambling behavior and limiting minors’ exposure to advertising. The resolution does not itself change law or regulatory standards; it directs a study and requests recommendations.