The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) has levied fines against Greenwood Gaming and Entertainment, the operator of Parx Casino, for allowing underage gambling on its premises. Additionally, the board has taken decisive action against three parents who left their children unattended in the casino’s parking lot while engaging in gambling activities.
Pennsylvania’s stringent regulations mandate that individuals must be above 21 years of age to participate in gambling activities within the state. Despite these clear guidelines, Parx Casino in Bucks County found itself embroiled in controversy when an 18-year-old was permitted entry to the gaming floor and allowed to gamble on slot machines.
Upon uncovering the violation, the PGCB swiftly intervened and imposed a $10,000 fine on Greenwood Gaming and Entertainment for its failure to uphold age restrictions. Furthermore, the regulatory body addressed three separate incidents involving negligent parents who left their children unattended in the casino’s parking lot.
In the first case, a parent left their 11-year-old child unattended in a vehicle while redeeming a sportsbook ticket at the casino.
In the second instance, a parent abandoned two young children, aged 8 and 5, in a car while engaging in gambling activities at a craps table.
The most egregious violation involved a parent who neglected four children, ranging from 2 to 13 years old, leaving them unsupervised to spectate a friend’s gambling session at a craps table.
As a consequence of their negligent actions, the three parents involved now face criminal charges. Additionally, the PGCB has placed them on the Involuntary Exclusion List, effectively barring them from accessing all Pennsylvania casinos.
In response to these incidents, the PGCB issued a stern reminder to all parents and guardians, urging them to refrain from leaving children unattended in casino premises, parking lots, garages, hotels, or any adjacent areas. The board emphasized the inherent dangers of such negligence and underscored the legal and punitive repercussions that accompany such actions.
The PGCB’s swift and decisive actions underscore its unwavering commitment to upholding regulatory standards and ensuring the safety and well-being of patrons, especially minors, within Pennsylvania’s gaming establishments. By holding operators accountable and enforcing stringent penalties against negligent individuals, the board reinforces the importance of responsible gambling practices and parental supervision.
