Pennsylvania legislators are weighing a proposal that would require online gambling operators to prevent access to betting platforms on school property, expanding existing location-based controls already used across the state’s regulated gaming market.
State Representative Jason Ortitay (R-45) has put forward legislation aimed at restricting access to online casino and sports wagering applications within educational settings. The measure would require licensed operators to deploy geospatial technology that creates digital exclusion zones around school campuses, preventing registered users from accessing gambling services while on school grounds.
The proposal comes as Pennsylvania’s regulated online gaming sector continues to grow. While the state permits interactive gaming and sports wagering through licensed operators, supporters of the legislation argue that the framework was designed for adults and does not adequately address the possibility of students accessing gambling platforms while at school.
According to Ortitay, students can currently use smartphones or computers to reach online betting and gaming sites from classrooms, playgrounds and other areas located on school property.
“Pennsylvania has authorized interactive gaming and sports wagering under a licensed and regulated framework. That framework was built for adults making lawful choices. It was never intended to reach into our classrooms. Yet today, a student can sit in a classroom or stand on a playground and, using a smartphone, access online gaming and sports betting platforms. In some cases, minors are using a parent’s account and credentials to do so.”
Expanding Existing Geolocation Controls
The proposed measure would build upon technology already used throughout Pennsylvania’s online gambling market. Licensed operators currently rely on geolocation systems that use GPS, Wi-Fi and cellular data to verify that customers are physically located within state borders before allowing wagers.
Under Ortitay’s proposal, those location-based tools would be extended to include geofenced school zones. If a user attempts to access a gambling platform while located within one of those restricted areas, the system would block access until the individual leaves the designated zone.
The legislation’s memo states that it would “require interactive gaming and sports wagering certificate holders and operators to use geospatial technologies to prevent registered players from accessing online gaming and sports betting sites while on a school property.”
The restriction would cover classrooms, buildings, playgrounds and sports fields.
Focus on Youth Protection
Supporters of the proposal cite concerns about underage gambling and gambling-related harm among young people. Ortitay referenced an incident in Allegheny County involving a student who developed a gambling addiction.
Pennsylvania already requires age verification, identity checks and self-exclusion programs. Supporters of the bill argue additional safeguards are needed because minors may access gambling platforms using adult credentials.
Part of a Wider Legislative Discussion
The school geofencing proposal arrives as Pennsylvania lawmakers consider several gambling-related consumer protection measures. Other proposals under discussion include restrictions on credit card use for online gambling, limits on certain betting activity and reviews of self-exclusion programs to ensure marketing materials are not sent to individuals who have opted out.
Lawmakers have also reviewed regulatory developments in Colorado while considering updates to Pennsylvania’s gaming framework.
The legislation has not yet been formally introduced.
Source:
“Proposed bill would block online gambling in Pennsylvania schools”, abc27.com, Jun 10, 2026
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