The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) fined Valley Forge Casino Resort $30,000 after staff failed to stop a 13-year-old from playing slot machines for more than six hours in November. The case, brought forward by the Board’s Office of Enforcement Counsel, highlighted major lapses in the casino’s age verification and security systems.
Why This Crackdown Matters
The fine underscores Pennsylvania’s strict stance on underage gambling violations. Officials stressed that allowing minors to gamble creates “unsafe and dangerous” environments. Alongside the fine, the PGCB also added 12 new individuals to the state’s exclusion list, which now totals 1,422 banned people across all casinos and regulated platforms.
What Went Wrong
The minor entered the casino floor unchecked and played slots for six hours without staff intervention. Security completely failed to identify the underage player, showing a clear breakdown in Valley Forge’s ID verification process.
Industry Impact
With Pennsylvania’s gaming revenue hitting $582.3 million in August—the second-highest monthly total this year—regulators are tightening oversight. While the $30,000 penalty is small compared to casino earnings, it signals regulators won’t overlook compliance failures, especially when children are involved. Other casinos are expected to re-examine their own safeguards to avoid similar penalties.
