Pennsylvania Moving On iLotto Regulations
iLottery regulations likely to be implemented ahead of other state gambling expansion projects
The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue has released temporary regulations governing the introduction of online lottery games, which are controlled by the state and could be implemented before other gambling expansion projects expected to start around November.
Cliff notes on the regulations include:
- iLotto players must be at least 18 years old (compared with 21 years old for online casino gambling);
- They must be located within state borders when playing (geo-location will ensure this);
- They may not be related directly to officials or employees of the Department of Revenue;
- Games limited to instant wins, possibly adding draw games like Mega Millions and Powerball at a later date;
- Lotto games cannot “represent physical, Internet-based or monitor-based interactive lottery games which simulate casino-style lottery games, specifically including poker, roulette, slot machines and blackjack.”
- iLottery operators are required to provide public information on how each game is played, price range to play a single game, the chances of winning each prize, and where funding for prizes originates from;
- Operators must allow cool-off periods or self-exclusion facilities for players, and ensure they are not sent promotions or allowed to gamble;
- Players will have to register and divulge the last four digits of their social security number, home address and phone number.
The state is hoping that the PA online lottery will generate an extra $250 million in revenue by 2023.
Pennsylvania Regulator Clarifies Multiple Skin Issue (Update)
Licensees can run multiple skins through the land casino domain
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) released more regulations for online gambling Wednesday, clarifying the multiple skins issue (see previous InfoPowa reports) by permitting licensees to operate multiple online skins under a single licence, provided they clearly show a relationship with a land-based casino and run it through the casino’s domain.
InfoPowa readers may recall that there has recently been some vigorous lobbying by a minority of operators against allowing multiple skins per licence.
The relevant regulations can be accessed here: https://gamingcontrolboard.pa.gov/files/legislation/125-215_Temp_Reg_IG.pdf and in summary deal with multiple skins thus:
“Chapter 818 provides clarification that the Board may authorize interactive gaming certificate holders or interactive gaming operator licensees operating an interactive gaming system on behalf of an interactive gaming certificate holder to deploy interactive gaming skins or interactive gaming websites, that clearly identify the interactive gaming certificate holder or an entity within the interactive gaming certificate holder’s organizational structure, on the display screen visible to players.”
In brief – online and poker skins will be required to prominently display the land casino under whose licence the skin is running.
Board executive director Kevin O’Toole revealed in a press release from the PGCB:
“What the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board did at its public meeting of April 4, 2018 was to approve temporary regulations that enable a very open and competitive market for internet gaming while at the same time assuring transparency and accountability for the consumers.
“Under these temporary regulations there is no limitation on the number of skins that a slot machine licensee may employ to deliver games, but every “skin” that a casino offers must be branded in a manner that makes it clear that it is offered on behalf of the slot machine licensee consistent with language of the act.”
State regulators expect to begin taking applications from both platform providers and casinos within the next month.