Pennsylvania lawmakers propose restrictions on microbets and gambling losses

A bipartisan proposal in Pennsylvania from Tarik Khan and Jamie Flick targets online gambling with new restrictions. Wagers placed mid-event on single plays or actions, known as microbets, would be outlawed under the plan. So too would VIP and loyalty schemes that reward customers for gambling more often, depositing larger sums or losing more money.

Mandatory loss limits form another part of the proposal. For those between 21 and 25, gambling would stop once losses reach $750 in a single day or $2,500 across 30 days; older adults would be capped at $1,500 per 24 hours and $5,000 over 30 days. Each player would also have to choose personal daily and monthly loss limits before making a first wager.

Funding online gambling accounts with credit cards or government assistance cards would be barred, and deposits beyond set thresholds would need affordability checks by operators; an earlier bill this year already sought these changes. Autoplay features and games resolving an outcome in under 15 seconds would also be off limits for operators.

Players would get mandatory breaks and time limits, with a default ceiling of two hours of online gambling per day that a player could lower. Push notifications urging bets or deposits would be banned, artificial intelligence could only be used in limited ways to target customers by gambling behaviour, and many bonus-driven promotions would be prohibited. VIP hosts would be off limits to operators, and advertising aimed at young adults or minors would be restricted.

Timing matters here: the measure arrives alongside the formation of a new bipartisan Problem Gambling Caucus, which will examine how online betting and casino gaming affect public health. A state-backed study published earlier this year, looking at online gambling behaviour, consumer protections and industry practices, also preceded it.

Backers cite a Pennsylvania gambling study finding that a small share of players produces a large portion of industry revenue. According to the bill's legislative findings, 5.7% of online sports bettors accounted for 80% of betting expenditures, and at one online sportsbook VIP customers made up roughly 0.5% of users yet brought in over 70% of revenue.

Khan said: "Problem gambling ruins lives and destroys families. That's why I pushed for this statewide study in the first place." He added that the study became the foundation of the bipartisan legislation to hold "these Wall Street bookies accountable" and protect Pennsylvania families.

Flick said: "We need to make sure the next generation isn't being drawn into gambling addiction before they fully understand the risks. This bipartisan bill puts meaningful protections in place, especially for young adults who are particularly vulnerable."

The source gives no appeal status, no response from operators and no next step or deadline for the bill.