Key Moments:
- House Bill 2879 limits online gamblers to two deposits every 24 hours.
- Customers aged 21 to 25 face a $2 wager cap per play and mandatory loss breaks.
- The proposal bans credit cards, assistance cards, bonuses, prop bets, and VIP programs.
Overview of Proposed Legislation
Pennsylvania lawmakers want to protect consumers in the state’s expanding online gambling market. Nine state representatives recently introduced House Bill 2879 to establish strict guardrails for online gambling platforms. Specifically, Rep. Tarik Khan leads the effort to curb aggressive marketing and address gambling addiction. Currently, the House Gaming Oversight Committee is reviewing the measure before the legislative session ends on November 30, 2026.
Details of the Proposed Restrictions
The bill imposes several major restrictions on both operators and players. For instance, players may make only two account deposits per 24-hour period. In addition, players face a $5,000 deposit limit every 180 days unless operators perform formal affordability checks. Furthermore, the legislation completely bans credit cards, government assistance cards, and gambling gift cards.
Younger players face even stricter rules under the proposed law. Consequently, users aged 21 to 25 can bet a maximum of $2 per online casino play. Moreover, forced 30-day cooling-off periods kick in if they lose $750 daily or $2,500 monthly. Finally, all players must set loss limits, and operators must delay any requests to raise those limits.
| Measure | Restriction |
|---|---|
| Daily Deposits | Up to 2 transactions per 24-hour period |
| Deposit Cap (180 days) | $5,000 max unless player passes affordability check |
| Age 21-25 Max Wager | $2 per play on casino games |
| Cooling-off Triggers (21-25) | 30-day pause after losing $750/day or $2,500/month |
| Prohibited Payment Methods | Credit cards, assistance cards, gift cards |
Marketing and Operator Restrictions
If passed, the bill forces operators to remove microbets and proposition wagers entirely. Additionally, platforms cannot send push notifications or offer sign-up bonuses, free bets, and VIP rewards. Marketing materials can no longer use terms like “risk-free” to lure bettors. Furthermore, state rules would prohibit gambling advertisements during live sports broadcasts and between 8
- Author
Daniel Williams
