A wave of decisive action has swept through Pennsylvania’s gambling landscape, as fifteen individuals have been barred from all casinos and regulated betting platforms within the state.
These aren’t restrictions stemming from problem gambling, but from a far more disturbing pattern: blatant disregard for the safety of children. The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board has added these names to its Involuntary Exclusion Lists, effectively shutting them out of the state’s gaming world.
The most shocking cases involve parents who willingly abandoned their children – some mere toddlers – in vehicles while pursuing their luck inside casinos. Imagine the fear and vulnerability of those left behind, baking in a parked car while their guardians chased a jackpot.
One man left two three-year-olds unattended in a Parx Casino parking lot for a full sixteen minutes, engrossed in the sportsbook. A woman at Presque Isle Downs & Casino abandoned two eleven-year-olds for thirty minutes, captivated by the flashing lights of slot machines.
The incidents didn’t stop there. A thirteen-year-old was left alone for over an hour at Wind Creek Bethlehem Casino, and a mother at Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Court left her five and eleven-year-old children for twenty-seven minutes, all while she played the slots.
The Board’s message is stark and unwavering: leaving minors unattended in any casino venue – parking lots, garages, hotels – is a dangerous and unacceptable risk. These actions create a potentially unsafe environment for children, and the consequences are now severe.
Beyond the individual bans, the Board levied $72,000 in fines against a Video Gaming Terminal establishment and two casinos for separate violations. This demonstrates a commitment to holding all parties accountable for maintaining a safe and responsible gaming environment.
With these latest additions, the total number of individuals on Pennsylvania’s Involuntary Exclusion Lists now reaches 1,469 – a sobering reminder of the ongoing efforts to protect vulnerable individuals and ensure responsible gaming practices throughout the Keystone State.
