Pennsylvania lawmakers have introduced a bipartisan package of legislation aimed at increasing consumer protections for online gambling, taking cues from reforms recently adopted in Colorado.
State Representatives Tarik Khan and Jamie Flick plan to advance three bill focused on problem gambling and responsible gaming. The proposals arrive as online wagering remains widely accessible through smartphones, tablets and computers across the state.
Supporters say the continued expansion of online gambling has heightened concerns about addiction, financial hardship and the impact of gambling-related harm on families and communities. They have also raised concerns about aggressive advertising and growing exposure among younger audiences.
Proposed Changes Focus on Consumer Safeguards
The Pennsylvania Online Consumer Protection Act forms the core of the legislative package. The bill would limit how often users can deposit funds into online gambling accounts within a 24-hour period. It would also restrict push notifications and text message marketing from gambling operators.
The legislation includes stronger protections against youth-focused advertising and would increase support for prevention efforts, treatment programs, education and responsible gaming initiatives.
A second measure, serving as a House companion to Senate Bill 265, would ban the use of credit cards for online gambling deposits. Another proposal, tied to Senate Bill 266, would prevent operators from marketing to people enrolled in Pennsylvania’s self-exclusion program.
“As a nurse practitioner, I believe we should address problem gambling the same way we address other public health challenges: with prevention, education, treatment and commonsense safeguards. Our bipartisan bill package will help protect young people, individuals and families while supporting responsible gaming,” Khan said.
Colorado Law Serves as Model
The Pennsylvania proposals mirror elements of Colorado’s recently enacted Senate Bill 26-131, signed into law by Governor Jared Polis.
Colorado’s legislation prohibits credit card funding for sportsbook accounts and restricts push notifications and text messages used to encourage betting. It also limits users to six deposits within a 24-hour period and places restrictions on certain promotional language. The new rules will take effect on Aug. 12.
“This bipartisan package of bills draws from bipartisan legislation introduced in Pennsylvania and Colorado that seeks to address problem gambling through commonsense consumer protections, responsible gaming measures and public health-focused safeguards,” lawmakers stated.
Existing Responsible Gaming Efforts
Pennsylvania has already expanded responsible gaming initiatives. Earlier this year, the General Assembly approved support for Almond Digital Health, which provides online tools and resources for responsible gambling.
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board also launched the “What’s Really at Stake” campaign to address underage gambling. In addition, the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs offers a free problem gambling toolkit for parents and educators.
“Too many young people are being exposed to online gambling through constant advertising and unprecedented access from their phones and devices,” Flick said. “These bills are about putting reasonable safeguards in place, promoting responsible gaming and helping ensure that young people and families are protected from gambling-related harm.”
Source:
“Khan, Flick introduce bipartisan package to address problem gambling and strengthen consumer protections”, pahouse.com, Jun 3, 2026
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