Pennsylvania Proposes School Geoblocking for Online Gambling Platforms
Pennsylvania lawmakers are considering new measures aimed at preventing students from accessing online gambling platforms while at school. House Bill 2631, introduced by Representative Jason Ortitay, would require licensed online casinos and sportsbooks to block access to their services within K-12 school zones across the state.
The legislation was introduced on 12 June and has received support from several co-sponsors. According to Ortitay, the proposal is intended to address concerns about underage gambling and the growing availability of betting apps on smartphones used by students.
Pennsylvania already allows online gambling under a regulated framework for adults, but lawmakers argue that minors have found ways to bypass restrictions, including using accounts belonging to parents or other adults. The bill would place responsibility on licensed operators to use geofencing technology to create digital boundaries around school properties, preventing gambling apps from functioning within those areas.
Online gambling companies in Pennsylvania already use geolocation systems to ensure bets are only placed within state borders. Ortitay said discussions with the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board indicated that expanding this technology to include school zones would be possible, although implementation may require additional time and resources.
The proposal was inspired by the story of Ray Mikesell, a Pennsylvania resident whose gambling addiction reportedly began while he was still a student. Following years of struggling with addiction, Mikesell later died by suicide. His father has since advocated for stronger safeguards to protect young people from similar experiences.
The bill is currently under review by the House Gaming Oversight Committee. Responsible gambling advocates have welcomed the initiative, describing it as a positive first step, while also suggesting that additional educational and prevention programs should accompany any new restrictions to help address gambling-related harm among young people.
