Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB)

Established in 2004, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board oversees all gambling activities in the state, operating under the Pennsylvania Race Horse Development and Gaming Act. Online gambling became legal in Pennsylvania in 2017, making it the fourth state in the U.S. to authorize internet-based gaming.

Brick-and-Mortar Casino within the State

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) is primarily responsible for licensing qualified companies and individuals while maintaining the integrity of legalized gambling through strict enforcement of state laws and regulations. In fulfilling this role, the board seeks to create a substantial revenue stream for the Commonwealth and boost tourism.

Pennsylvania launched its first online gambling sites in 2019 and issued a total of 39 licenses for interactive gaming. Every online license holder also operates a brick-and-mortar casino within the state.

License Checking

To ensure that an operator is legally offering services in Pennsylvania, the PGCB provides a list of licensed interactive gaming certificate holders, complete with links to each operator’s website. Additionally, the board maintains an Application Status Report, which lists applicants awaiting license approval.

Complaint Submission Process

One of the PGCB’s key responsibilities is handling player complaints and disputes. If a player has an issue with a licensed operator, they can request an investigation by the board. Complaints must be submitted within 30 days of the incident using the appropriate online form.

Note:
Before submitting a complaint form, players must first obtain a ticket or complaint number from the licensed operator. The form cannot be completed without this information.

Responsible Gambling- Self Exclusion

The PGCB prioritizes responsible gambling and operates the Responsible Play website to support problem gamblers. The site offers resources for gambling addiction treatment and guidance on setting self-imposed limits, including deposit, spending, and time limits.

In 2020, Pennsylvania became the first state to provide a self-exclusion program for online gamblers.

This program allows players to voluntarily ban themselves from all forms of legalized gambling for 1 year, 5 years, or a lifetime. Registration can be completed online through the PGCB website or by contacting the Office of Compulsive and Problem Gambling via phone at 717-346-8300 or email at problemgambling@pa.gov