HR 60 — A Resolution directing the Joint State Government Commission to conduct a study on sports betting and related interactive gambling in this Commonwealth, including recommended methods to further regulate the industry in order to reduce problem gambling behaviors, gambling debt and the exposure of children to sports betting and related interactive gambling advertisements.

PRINTER'S NO.   505

                  THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA



           HOUSE RESOLUTION
              No. 60
                                              Session of
                                                2025

     INTRODUCED BY KHAN, HARKINS, McANDREW, WEBSTER, WAXMAN, GIRAL,
        HILL-EVANS, SANCHEZ, NEILSON, DONAHUE, GREEN AND MALAGARI,
        FEBRUARY 5, 2025

     REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON GAMING OVERSIGHT, FEBRUARY 5, 2025


                               A RESOLUTION
 1   Directing the Joint State Government Commission to conduct a
 2      study on sports betting in this Commonwealth, including
 3      recommended methods to further regulate the industry in order
 4      to reduce problem gambling behaviors, gambling debt and the
 5      exposure of children to sports betting advertisements.
 6      WHEREAS, In May 2018, the United States Supreme Court struck
 7   down a Federal law that prohibited commercial sports betting,
 8   and in November 2018, the first legal sports bet was placed in
 9   this Commonwealth; and
10      WHEREAS, As of January 2025, 38 states and the District of
11   Columbia have legalized sports betting, and sports betting has
12   become a multi-billion-dollar industry; and
13      WHEREAS, In 2024, it was projected that $35 billion would be
14   wagered on the National Football League, with bets being
15   available on all sports and other competitions; and
16      WHEREAS, Despite its clear popularity and economic benefits,
17   some experts have correlated the growth of the sports betting
18   industry to increases in problem gambling rates and expressed
19   concerns regarding minors being exposed to sports betting
 1   content; and
 2      WHEREAS, Problem gambling may lead to repeated, uncontrolled
 3   gambling that can result in negative consequences to an
 4   individual, leading to the loss of relationships, jobs and other
 5   opportunities; and
 6      WHEREAS, While 2% to 3% of adults are believed to experience
 7   problem gambling, rates as high as 10% have been estimated in
 8   college students; and
 9      WHEREAS, Some sports bettors believe sports betting to be a
10   unique form of gambling due to their knowledge of the sports,
11   players and teams, but some experts believe that sports betting
12   portrays an illusion of control that may lead to higher rates of
13   problem gambling; and
14      WHEREAS, Sports betting is often based on online platforms
15   making it more accessible than physical gambling locations where
16   traveling or cash payments may be necessary; and
17      WHEREAS, The viewing of sports is immensely popular in our
18   culture, including among young audiences, and in 2022, more than
19   $300 million was spent on sports betting television
20   advertisements; and
21      WHEREAS, Some experts believe that sports betting
22   advertisements during sports broadcasts, particularly through
23   the endorsement of professional athletes, could normalize and
24   encourage sports betting to young viewers, possibly leading to
25   problem gambling in the future; and
26      WHEREAS, Several states have enacted laws and regulations
27   prohibiting the advertisement of sports betting targeted to
28   minors, with Federal legislation being introduced that would
29   prohibit all sports betting advertisements on television, radio
30   and the Internet; and

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 1      WHEREAS, Sports betting is a novel, popular industry with
 2   many benefits but also many potential concerns that have led to
 3   some experts declaring it a potential public health crisis; and
 4      WHEREAS, This Commonwealth has been a leading state in
 5   addressing problem gambling, and its methods may serve as a
 6   model for other states to follow; therefore be it
 7      RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives direct the Joint
 8   State Government Commission to conduct a study on sports betting
 9   in this Commonwealth, including recommended methods to further
10   regulate the industry in order to reduce problem gambling
11   behaviors, gambling debt and the exposure of children to sports
12   betting advertisements; and be it further
13      RESOLVED, That the study include information regarding
14   marketing strategies by sports betting licensees, such as
15   promotions, in-game advertising, advertising during sports
16   broadcasts and webcasts, as well as the usage of celebrities and
17   animated spokespersons; and be it further
18      RESOLVED, That, in developing their recommendations to
19   address these concerns, the Joint State Government Commission
20   consult with qualified legal counsel to ensure that the proposed
21   recommendations would not conflict with the Constitution of the
22   United States or the Constitution of Pennsylvania, including the
23   First Amendment right to free speech; and be it further
24      RESOLVED, That the Joint State Government Commission issue a
25   report of its findings and recommendations and submit the report
26   to the General Assembly no later than 12 months after the
27   adoption of this resolution.




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