Pennsylvania Lawmaker Wants to Geofence Schools to Prevent Online Gambling

^{Rep. Jason Ortitay wants online gambling operators to block access to their platforms on Pennsylvania school grounds using geofencing technology. (Photo: courtesy of Reportitay.com)}

A Pennsylvania lawmaker wants to use geofencing technology to keep online gambling off school grounds, putting the responsibility on licensed operators to block access to their platforms on school campuses throughout the state.

Rep. Jason Ortitay (R-Washington County) filed a memo this week stating he intends to introduce legislation that would use geofencing technology to prevent online gambling on school grounds. 

Pennsylvania offers online casino games, sports betting, and poker throughout the state, with players required to be at least 21 years of age to participate.

Proposal Aims to Make Schools Bet-Free Zones

Online gambling platforms already use age verification procedures to ensure that signups are made by those of legal age. But teenagers found ways to get around these precautions, and Ortitay says the state should take further measures to make sure gambling doesn’t take place on school campuses.

“The reality today is that a student can sit in a classroom or stand on a playground and, using a smartphone, access online gaming and sports betting platforms,” Ortitay wrote in his memo. “In some cases, minors are using a parent’s account and credentials to do so.”

Ortitay goes on to mention the story of Ray Mikesell, a young man from South Fayette Township who developed a gambling addiction while he was a student.

“That addiction followed him for years and ultimately cost him his life,” Ortitay wrote.

The bill would put the responsibility on online gambling operators and license holders to implement technology to prevent play at schools across Pennsylvania. 

“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 safest and most focused on learning,” Ortitay wrote. “This is a common-sense protection for our children.”

Multiple Efforts Underway to Improve Responsible Gambling in PA

Ortitay is seeking cosponsors for his legislation, which has not yet been introduced.

Geofencing technology has been used in various ways to police online gambling in the United States, where each state has its own laws and licensing for gaming. States with legal online gaming products typically use geolocation to ensure that only users within state borders can access those sites, while states without online gambling may use similar measures to prevent access to offshore operators. Some states have also considered using the technology to prevent gambling on college campuses.

Ortitay joins a growing number of legislators in his state who are looking for ways to prevent gambling harm. Earlier in June, Reps. Tarik Khan (D-Philadelphia) and Jamie Flick (R-Lycoming) introduced three bills that would attack problem gambling in a variety of ways, ranging from a ban on credit cards for online gambling to preventing operators from marketing to individuals on self-exclusion lists.