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Amid rocketing PA iGaming growth, report warns changes needed to combat problem gambling
As Pennsylvania online casinos continue to exceed expectations, a government report recommends that responsible-gaming efforts be strengthened to deal with growing gambling addiction.
Pennsylvania has easily been one of the country's biggest iGaming success stories. Its online casinos netted $2.77 billion in 2025 revenue, up 27.1% from the previous year. That figure makes iGaming the leading vertical for a state that pulled in $7.7 billion in total gambling revenue.
While these results indicate success for operators and state coffers, a recent report suggests that problem gambling is on the rise and needs solutions.
New report highlights various problems in PA gambling market
The PA Joint State Government Commission has released a bipartisan report entitled "Sports Betting and Related Interactive Gambling in Pennsylvania." Key points from the 126-page report include:
- Regulated casino games online are growing much faster (27.1%) than online sports betting (13%).
- Problem gambling is an "urgent and escalating public health challenge."
- Groups most likely to be at risk include online gamblers, men, young adults, and sports bettors.
- Youth are widely exposed to gambling advertisements via celebrity endorsements, TV, social media, and live sports broadcasts.
- College athletes are increasingly being harassed by losing sports bettors, leading to potential mental health issues stemming from abusive messages.
Commission's report suggests multiple solutions
Headed by Assistant Counsel Ronald Grenoble, the Joint State Government Commission outlines several potential fixes for players addicted to PA online casinos, sportsbooks, and poker sites.
One suggestion is a requirement that operators provide anonymous player data to researchers, who can use it to determine which gambling products cause the most harm.
The commission also calls for stronger responsible-gambling measures, including more detailed activity statements, better self-exclusion protections, tighter controls on advertising to self-excluded players, and more options for deposit and time limits.
The report lays out other possible changes to the state's gambling market, such as:
- Banning credit card deposits for online gambling accounts.
- More restrictions on advertisements, especially ones that could reach youth.
- A closer examination of VIP programs and promotions.
- Collecting better statewide player data to identify problem areas.
Potential changes may not reduce online gambling revenue
The Joint State Government Commission's proposed changes seem like they could affect revenue for PA's best online casinos and sportsbooks. However, the commission is more focused on tightening responsible-gambling measures rather than restricting operators.
As outlined in the report, the goal is to develop more sophisticated gambling regulations drawing from player data and stronger protections for gamblers.
This leaves the possibility for real money online slots and other games to continue their growth, while the state simultaneously sees improved responsible-gaming tools and efforts throughout the market.
Responsible gambling
Bettors must be 21 years or older and otherwise eligible to register and place wagers at online casinos. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, please seek assistance from trained professionals such as the Problem Gambling Help Network at 1-800-MY-RESET.
Written by Jeremy Olson
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