Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board Bans Adults for Leaving Minors Unattended

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB), the state's gambling regulator, oversees various aspects of the gambling sector, including online casino games, sports wagering, video gaming terminals, and retail casino gambling. Their primary responsibility is to monitor operations and enforce established rules.

This week, the PGCB made headlines by announcing bans against four adults following petitions from the Board's Office of Enforcement Counsel. These bans were a result of the adults leaving a total of six minors unattended while engaging in gambling activities. Leaving minors unattended in areas adjacent to casinos is prohibited in Pennsylvania and can lead to criminal prosecution.

The bans were imposed after specific incidents were reported. One female visitor at Live! Casino Philadelphia left two minors, ages 10 and 13, unattended in a car at the venue's parking lot for 24 minutes. Another female patron at Mohegan Pennsylvania Casino left a 13-year-old unattended for 10 minutes in the Sky Bridge hallway. A male patron at Live! Casino Pittsburgh left two minors, aged 6 and 8, unattended in a car for 13 minutes. Lastly, a male patron at Valley Forge Casino Resort left a 1-year-old child unattended in a locked car for 9 minutes, leading to law enforcement intervention.

In addition to the bans, the PGCB approved a $40,000 fine against Mountainview Thoroughbred Racing Association, the operator of Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course. This fine was imposed due to individuals under the age of 21 accessing the gaming floor and gambling on three occasions.