Khan, Flick introduce bipartisan legislation to crack down on predatory online gambling
Bill builds on findings of state study as lawmakers launch new Problem Gambling Caucus
Rep. Tarik Khan October 21, 2026 | 1:33 PM
HARRISBURG, Oct. 21 — State Reps. Tarik Khan, D-Phila., and Jamie Flick, R-Lycoming/Union, have announced the introduction of bipartisan legislation to protect Pennsylvanians from online gambling addiction and predatory industry practices.
The announcement comes as Pennsylvania lawmakers today launched a new bipartisan Problem Gambling Caucus, of which Khan and Flick are both members, to address the growing public health concerns surrounding gambling addiction.
The legislation builds on a statewide study commissioned through a 2025 resolution introduced by Khan and overwhelmingly approved by the House, 189–14. Released in July 2026, the study examined gambling addiction, industry marketing practices and consumer protections.
Among its troubling findings:
- Just 5.7% of online sports bettors accounted for 80% of gambling expenditures.
- At one sportsbook, 0.5% of customers generated more than 70% of revenue through its VIP program.
- The study identified safeguards for legislative consideration, including prohibiting rapid-fire microbets, restricting VIP programs and banning credit-card gambling.
“Problem gambling ruins lives and destroys families,” said Khan, a nurse practitioner. “That’s why I pushed for this statewide study in the first place. What we found was deeply troubling: Gambling companies using predatory practices to keep people betting, even as they’re losing everything. This study became the foundation of our bipartisan legislation to hold these Wall Street bookies accountable and protect Pennsylvania families.”
The bipartisan legislation would:
- Ban rapid-fire microbets and predatory VIP programs that encourage excessive gambling.
- Prohibit credit-card gambling and establish financial safeguards, including deposit and loss limits.
- Protect young people by restricting gambling advertising aimed at minors and young adults.
- Crack down on AI-driven promotions that target people vulnerable to gambling addiction.
- Establish limits on gambling time and prohibit automatic wagering.
- Fund addiction prevention, treatment and research through an assessment on online gambling revenue.
Flick emphasized the importance of protecting young people from the growing reach of online gambling.
“Kids today are growing up surrounded by sports betting advertisements and gambling apps,” said Flick. “We need to make sure the next generation isn’t being drawn into gambling addiction before they fully understand the risks. This bipartisan bill puts meaningful protections in place, especially for young adults who are particularly vulnerable.”
Khan emphasized that the legislation is not intended to prohibit responsible recreational gambling.
“People should be free to enjoy an occasional bet,” Khan said. “But the gambling industry shouldn’t be allowed to exploit addiction for profit. We studied the problem, we followed the evidence, and now we’re taking bipartisan action to protect Pennsylvanians.”
The legislation also establishes a public health approach to online gambling, with additional responsibilities for the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs and resources for addiction prevention, treatment and independent research.
The full Joint State Government Commission study is available here.