Pennsylvania’s Senate has passed legislation aimed at updating the state’s casino laws and helping regional gaming facilities stay competitive amid growing challenges. Senate Bill 840, championed by Senator Dan Laughlin (R-49), seeks to reduce the minimum number of slot machines required at Category 1 and 2 casinos from 1,500 to 1,000.
Addressing Market Shifts and Operational Pressures
The current 1,500-slot machine mandate was established nearly 20 years ago when Pennsylvania first legalized casino gaming. At that time, competition from neighboring states was minimal. Today, however, the landscape is vastly different, with new venues in bordering states like Ohio and New York, as well as the growth of online platforms and unregulated skill games within Pennsylvania itself.
“When Pennsylvania first legalized gaming, surrounding states like Ohio and New York didn’t have casinos. That’s no longer the case,” Laughlin said. “Facilities like Presque Isle Downs & Casino in Erie are facing growing competition from out-of-state casinos and online gaming platforms. Reducing the slot machine requirement gives these businesses the flexibility to adapt while preserving jobs and tax revenue.”
The proposed adjustment is designed to provide regional operators with more flexibility to align machine numbers with current market demand, while also reducing operational strain. Laughlin, whose district includes Erie County—home to Presque Isle Downs and Casino—argues the change is essential for long-term sustainability.
A Lifeline for Regional Operators
Presque Isle Downs has experienced increasing difficulties under the current regulations. Earlier this year, the casino was fined $50,000 for failing to meet the 1,500-machine minimum. General Manager Gary Hendricks has voiced concerns about the facility’s future, citing the spread of untaxed skill machines across the state as another major challenge.
Laughlin’s bill would allow facilities to request a lower machine count while still maintaining regulatory oversight. The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) would retain authority to review all reduction requests and ensure compliance with minimum thresholds. According to SB 840, no decrease may drop a facility below 1,000 machines for Category 1 and 2 licenses, or below 250 for Category 3 licenses.
Further, the PGCB is restricted from approving requests that reduce machine totals by more than 2% of a facility’s operational inventory, reinforcing responsible regulation even as casinos adapt.
A Step Toward Modernization
SB 840 is framed as a targeted, practical update rather than a sweeping overhaul. Laughlin emphasized the bill’s economic rationale, stating: “This bill is about modernization and sustainability. It’s a commonsense reform that protects jobs, strengthens our local economy and allows our gaming industry to remain competitive in a changing market.”
With Senate approval secured, the legislation now moves to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for final consideration before potentially reaching Governor Josh Shapiro’s desk.
Source:
“Senate Passes Laughlin Bill to Support Regional Casinos and Modernize Slot Machine Requirements”, pasenategop.com, Jun 25, 2025
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