HARRISBURG – Legislation will be forthcoming from Rep. Jason Ortitay of Allegheny & Washington Counties to protect PA students from accessing online gambling and sports wagering at school. He says the reality today is that a student can sit in a classroom or stand on a playground and, using a smartphone, access online gambling and sports betting platforms. In some cases, minors are using a parent’s account and credentials to do so. The proposal 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. 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 most focused on learning. A co-sponsorship memo is being circulated seeking support of the proposal.
REP. JASON ORTITAY