Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board Takes Action Against Live! Casino: Key Details and Implications
On a recent Wednesday, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) took significant disciplinary action, approving a consent agreement that resulted in a hefty fine of $50,000 against Stadium Casino, the operator of Live! Casino and Hotel Philadelphia. This decision underscores the regulatory body’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of the gaming industry and protecting vulnerable individuals.
The Consent Agreement and Its Background
The consent agreement was presented during the PGCB’s latest public meeting by the Office of Enforcement Counsel (OEC). This agreement imposes a fine on the casino for failing to enforce its regulations regarding self-excluded patrons. The PGCB mandates that casinos must identify individuals on its Self-Exclusion list and deny them access to gaming activities. Unfortunately, Live! Casino allowed four individuals on this critical list to gamble on its premises, which directly contravened state regulations.
In a press statement following the meeting, the PGCB emphasized the importance of compliance: "Pursuant to Board regulations, a casino must identify self-excluded patrons and refuse gaming privileges as well as other gaming-related activities such as check cashing or cash advances."
Expanding the iGaming Involuntary Exclusion List
In addition to the consent agreement, the PGCB also approved recommendations by the OEC that resulted in adding five new individuals to the iGaming Involuntary Exclusion List. The OEC’s investigation revealed that these individuals engaged in fraudulent activities related to online gaming.
The fraudulent conduct outlined in the PGCB meeting included:
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Creating Multiple Accounts: Two individuals were found to have created 20 separate online gaming accounts, violating the operator’s terms that restrict users to one account.
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Use of Stolen Identity: Another individual created 16 accounts using other people’s personal information and credit cards, subsequently withdrawing $11,250 into their own bank account without participating in any gaming activities.
- Fraudulent Chargebacks: One individual illegally requested chargebacks on a credit card totaling $11,125, while another exploited the system to obtain $21,600 through similar methods.
The Board noted, “The board’s actions in these matters stem from its commitment to keep individuals who have committed fraud from gaming online in Pennsylvania,” bringing the total to 47 individuals on the iGaming Involuntary Exclusion List.
Addressing Child Safety at Casinos
The PGCB also took a firm stand on child safety, announcing the addition of two adults to the Involuntary Exclusion List for leaving minors unattended while engaging in gambling activities. In one instance, a female patron left her 11-year-old child alone in a vehicle for 40 minutes while she played slots inside Live! Casino. In another case, a different female patron left three minors—aged 8, 9, and 13—unattended in a hotel room at Mount Airy Casino Resort for nearly two hours.
In light of these issues, the PGCB reiterated the seriousness of such neglect, emphasizing that leaving minors unattended poses a potentially dangerous situation. As an effort to raise awareness and prevent future incidents, the Board has launched an outreach campaign titled "Don’t Gamble with Kids."
Conclusion and Upcoming Events
The recent actions taken by the PGCB serve as a strong reminder of the responsibilities casinos hold regarding compliance with gaming regulations, particularly in safeguarding against fraud and protecting minors. The PGCB is expected to continue its vigilant oversight to ensure that the state’s gaming environments remain safe and fair for all patrons.
Looking ahead, the next meeting for the PGCB is scheduled for 10:00 AM, Wednesday, November 20th, 2024, at the Board’s Public Hearing Room in Harrisburg. This meeting promises to address further regulatory issues and provide updates on gaming operations across Pennsylvania. As the landscape of gaming continues to evolve, the PGCB’s role remains crucial in fostering transparency and accountability within the industry.
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