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Proposed bill would prevent children from gambling while at school
"Geofencing Online Gaming and Sports Wagering on School Property" is being introduced by Representative Jason Ortitay
"Pennsylvania has authorized interactive gaming and sports wagering under a licensed and regulated framework. That framework was built for adults making lawful choices."
A new bill proposed in Pennsylvania looks to prevent underage individuals from gambling while at school or on the playground.
The proposed bill, "Geofencing Online Gaming and Sports Wagering on School Property", is set to be introduced by Representative Jason Ortitay.
"In the near future, I intend to introduce legislation to protect Pennsylvania students from accessing online gambling and sports wagering while at school," Ortitay announced in a statement.
"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 the reality today is that 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.
"This is not a hypothetical concern. Ray Mikesell was a young man from South Fayette Township whose struggle with gambling addiction began while he was a student. That addiction followed him for years and ultimately cost him his life. His father has asked that we act so that no other family endures what his family has endured. As he told me, if this legislation helps even one person, it is worth it. I agree. This bill is for Ray.
"My legislation 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 physically located within the boundaries of school property, including the grounds and buildings under the control of our schools. By placing the responsibility on licensed operators to enforce a geofence around our schools, we close a gap that has allowed gambling to reach students where they should be safest and most focused on learning.
"This is a common-sense protection for our children, and it honors the memory of a young man whose loss should not be in vain. I urge you to join me in cosponsoring this important legislation."
Most online gambling sites already claim to have safeguards in place.
FanDuel, which is licensed to operate in Pennsylvania, uses multiple layers of verification and monitoring to prevent minors from gambling online.
Kalshi, a prediction market licensed federally, claims to use many of the same identity-verification tools as regulated financial platforms.
Pennsylvania is currently one of the states going all-in on a "bell-to-bell" cellphone ban in schools. The proposal would not prevent students from bringing phones to school, but it would generally require them to keep the devices turned off and out of sight throughout the school day, including lunch and recess, with limited exceptions.
- Jagajeet Chiba, Gambling911.com
