Details on draft Pennsylvania regulations emerge

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board has released two sets of draft regulations as it continues to work on the licensing and regulatory infrastructure for online gambling in the state.

Both concern online casino and poker, and a third set is due for release on April 2. This third set is expected to deal among other facets with the question of multiple skins per operator (see story earlier in this bulletin)

The proposals thus far make provision for:

* The approval of the PGCB is required regarding server location, but such equipment “may be located in a restricted area on the premises of the licensed facility.” Importantly, such equipment may also be located in the same county or even elsewhere in the US, provided it meets PGCB minimum requirements. This rather wide location regulation would probably suit New Jersey operators seeking Pennsylvanian licensing.

* There are detailed requirements to ensure that equipment is protected from natural or man-made disasters, and security requirements are strict and comprehensive, detailing which personnel may have access to servers and associated details such as logging.

* Operators are required to have a full disaster and emergency recovery plan in place and ready for deployment at a moment’s notice.

* Operators must provide efficient self-exclusion facilities for players and ensure they are adequately published.

* Certified and efficient geo-location protocols must be deployed at all times to ensure that only players within the state can access Pennsylvania licensed online sites.

* Operators must provide players with access to a “replay last game feature” that allows players to see previous outcomes.

* Pay tables and game rules for all online slots and games must be provided to all registered players, even those who have not yet made a deposit. Transparency and accuracy are key requirements in presenting such information.

* During play, players must be provided with information on the name of the game, current balance, all play restrictions, and amounts won and lost in the session
Players, once inside a game, must to be provided with minimum amounts of information, including the name of the game being played, the player’s current balance, any restrictions in place, and the amount won and lost in a session.

* Random number generators must meet PGCB standards for determining game outcomes and be tested by an acceptable testing agency.

* Changes to any game must be approved and comply with regulations.

* Operators have a duty to provide “comprehensive house rules governing wagering transactions” to players.

* Advertising must meet minimum standards. Advertisements cannot target excluded players or consist of offensive, illegal, irresponsible or inappropriate material.

* Promotions run by operators must go through a vetting process.

* Operators who wish to offer live dealer action must request PGCB approval.