The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) has levied two fines against Mount Airy Casino Resort, located in the Poconos. The first fine is for $160,000 and was issued due to the casino allowing minors onto the gaming floor. The second fine is for $100,825 and was issued because the casino missed multiple deadlines for re-licensing.
According to reports, Mount Airy Casino allowed not only one but three minors to play on the casino premises in two separate events over the past year. The first instance is when it allowed an 18-year-old male to enter and play casino games.
The other instance is when 13-year-old twins are spotted playing slot games while their mother, who brought them, was not around. The Pennsylvania Board has declined to comment on whether the minors who were found gambling at the casino nor their parents, will face prosecution.
However, Lianne Asbury, Executive Director of Security of the casino stated that COVID-19 restrictions have made it a lot more difficult to determine who are the minors among the guests.
In Pennsylvania, only adults over the age of 21 may bet. This law applies to all forms of gambling, including in-person and online casino games, slots, and sports betting. Those under 21 may only be accompanied on the gaming floor of resort establishments, such as Mount Airy. Minors are provided with bracelets that indicate their status as minors.
This law is designed to protect minors from gambling addiction and the associated risks, such as debt and financial ruin. It also ensures that casinos and other gambling establishments are not encouraging underage gambling. Violators of this law may be subject to fines and other penalties.
In addition, the gaming operator was also penalized for not submitting 32 corporate or individual renewal applications before the due date. This resulted in more fines which makes the total penalties reach more than $260,000.
Chairman Denise J. Smyler said that the board was “very” disappointed by the errors and that the casino’s entire workforce likely requires more training.
These errors are a serious matter, as they could potentially lead to more crime or fraud. The PGCB will continue to investigate the matter and take whatever action is necessary to protect the people of Pennsylvania.
