New Pennsylvania Gambling Bill Would Overhaul Online Betting Rules

Pennsylvania online gamblers would face compulsory spending and session limits under HB 2879, a bill introduced by Rep. Tarik Khan.

Good to know

• The proposal would ban same-game parlays and microbets.
• Players could make only two deposits per 24 hours.
• Operators would pay a 0.75% revenue assessment for problem gambling programs.

HB 2879 approaches online gambling through Title 35, the state health and safety code. It would fund programs through the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs, linking betting restrictions with prevention and treatment.

Pennsylvania Online Gambling Limits Would Depend On Age

Operators would stop accepting bets when players aged 21–25 lost $750 within 24 hours or $2,500 within 30 days. The higher thresholds would reach $1,500 and $5,000 respectively, although the draft overlaps both age categories at 25.

Meanwhile, players would set daily and monthly login limits, starting with a two-hour daily default. Increasing limits would require 72 hours. Biometric checks would apply at login and before bets above $500.

Funding accounts would also change. The bill would allow ACH debits, available-fund wire transfers and physical checks, excluding credit and government assistance cards. Deposits above $5,000 over 180 days would trigger affordability checks, while a general 15-minute betting delay would follow deposits.

Beyond account controls, operators would lose sign-up incentives and VIP rewards encouraging more gambling. Bonus push notifications would also end.

Advertising restrictions would cover 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and live sports broadcasts. The proposal would also prohibit loss-recovery promotions and ads featuring athletes, celebrities or influencers likely to appeal to minors.

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