Pennsylvania Skill Games Bill Adds ID Checks And Loss Limits

Pennsylvania lawmakers are looking at new consumer protections for skill games while a separate online gambling package targets deposits, credit cards, ads, and self-exclusion. House Bill 2557, introduced in the 2025-2026 session, was referred to the House Gaming Oversight Committee on June 1.

Good to Know

• HB 2557 would cover skill games and slot-style electronic devices.
• Players would need ID checks and daily loss limits before play.
• A separate House package targets online casino and sports betting safeguards.

Skill Games Would Face Tighter Rules

Rep. Ben Waxman is not trying to legalize Pennsylvania skill games through HB 2557 alone. The bill would only take effect if lawmakers also approve a separate legal and tax structure for the machines.

The proposal targets electronic gaming devices that accept money, offer payouts, and work in a way similar to slot machines. Devices marketed as skill games would also fall under the framework. LegiScan lists HB 2557 as a bill to regulate skill games and certain covered devices, assign duties to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, and impose penalties.

The player checks would be strict. Users would need a valid government ID or a regulator-approved account before using a machine. Anyone under 21, or anyone without verified identity, would be blocked.

Waxman also wants mandatory loss limits. Players would choose a daily loss cap before a session starts. The default could not exceed $250, and regulators could set it lower. Players could reduce that limit during play, but not raise it in the same session.

Game speed would slow, too. Each machine would need at least five seconds between plays. After 15 minutes of continuous play, a 30-second pause would show session time and total amount wagered.

Location limits form another big part of the bill. Skill games would be barred from gas stations and convenience stores. They would be limited to liquor-licensed sites and approved 21-and-over gaming areas, with no more than five devices per establishment.

Online Gambling Bills Add A Second Layer

The skill games bill is moving while Reps. Tarik Khan and Jamie Flick are backing a separate responsible gambling package for online casinos and sports betting. Pennsylvania has offered legal online casino gaming since 2019, and mobile betting has made gambling available around the clock.

The Pennsylvania Online Consumer Protection Act would limit how often players can deposit money into online gambling accounts within 24 hours. It would also restrict push notifications, text-message offers, and marketing aimed at younger people.

A second bill would ban credit card deposits for online gambling accounts. Supporters say the idea is simple: players should not fund gambling with borrowed money.

A third bill would tighten self-exclusion rules. Operators could not send ads, bonuses, or other promotions to people who placed themselves on the self-exclusion list.

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