A group of Pennsylvania House representatives has introduced a bill requiring online casinos and sportsbooks to geoblock school properties, according to Sportsline. The proposed legislation aims to prevent minors from accessing gambling services on school grounds.
What happened
On June 28, 2026, Pennsylvania lawmakers introduced House Bill 2631, which mandates that online gambling operators block access to their platforms from school properties. The bill, spearheaded by Rep. Jason Ortitay (R-Allegheny/Washington), is co-sponsored by several representatives. Ortitay noted the existing technology that can restrict access to ensure that online gambling does not interfere with students’ education.
In a statement, Ortitay emphasized,
“Our schools should be a place for learning, not a place to lose your future one bet at a time.”
He highlighted that minors, who are already prohibited from engaging in online gaming, could still exploit adult accounts to gamble while on school grounds. The legislation seeks to enforce a digital barrier around educational facilities to safeguard students.
Why it matters
The legislation addresses rising concerns about gambling among youth, particularly as technology makes it easier for minors to access these platforms. By effectively eliminating gambling access from schools, the bill aims to prevent potential addiction and gambling-related issues among students. This proactive stance reflects growing recognition of youth gambling as a public health concern in Pennsylvania.
Background
On November 23, 2024, Ray Mikesell, a Pennsylvania resident whose gambling addiction started in school, tragically took his own life. His story has driven lawmakers like Ortitay to push for stricter regulations to protect young people from similar fates. Mikesell’s father, who has advocated for this cause, serves as a poignant reminder of the potential consequences of unregulated access to gambling.
Earlier in June 2026, another set of bills was introduced to address problem gambling. State Reps. Tarik Khan and Jamie Flick proposed measures including limits on deposits and a ban on credit card transactions at gambling sites to further protect vulnerable populations, particularly minors.
What’s next
House Bill 2631 is set for discussion in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in the coming weeks. If passed, it could significantly reshape access to online gambling for students throughout the state.
