Pennsylvania Fines Evolution for Surveillance Failures and Bans 17 People from Gambling

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) has fined Evolution US, LLC, a leading iGaming provider, $25,000 following a lapse in surveillance at its live dealer studio in Philadelphia. The authority also cracked down on several individuals, placing them on its involuntary exclusion lists. These penalties showcase Pennsylvania’s robust regulatory oversight over its gambling sector.

The Violation Was Relatively Minor

Evolution’s fine stems from a period of almost two days during which the operator failed to save surveillance video at its live dealer facility. A power outage disrupted the operation of a computer server responsible for recording and storing camera footage, thus violating the provisions of the Pennsylvania Gaming Act. The live cameras over Evolution’s fourteen tables were still active, but the feed was not properly stored.

“The approved Consent Agreement containing additional details on the incident is available upon request through the Board’s Office of Communications.”

PGCB statement

This case isn’t Evolution’s first run-in with the PGCB. In August 2024, the company faced a $7,500 fine for allowing an unauthorized individual to enter restricted areas of its studio. The latter gained access to several sensitive locations, including employee dressing rooms. This intrusion created significant security concerns, although the operator has taken steps to address the deficiency.

The Regulator’s Involuntary Exclusion Lists Keep Growing

The PGCB also approved the placement of 17 individuals on its Involuntary Exclusion Lists, barring them from entering licensed gambling facilities or participating in internet gaming. Some notable cases involve a guest at Live! Casino and Hotel Philadelphia leaving a six-year-old in a vehicle for six minutes while gambling, and another person at Rivers Casino Pittsburgh abandoning three minors in a car for 16 minutes.

These measures underline the PGCB’s determination to protect minors, further underscored by its public awareness campaign, “Don’t Gamble with Kids.” Despite the regulator’s frequent reminders that adults are prohibited from leaving minors unattended in the parking lot or garage, a hotel, or other venues at a casino, similar cases remain a regular occurrence.

“Since its inception, 1,262 persons have been placed on the Casino Involuntary Exclusion List.”

PGCB statement

The PGCB’s actions also extended to cases of fraudulent behavior. Some examples include an individual creating eight accounts using other people’s credentials and another committing credit card fraud, amassing $15,336 in illegal chargebacks. The offenders are now on the PGCB’s Involuntary iGaming Exclusion List.

With these actions, Pennsylvania enforces its leadership in gambling regulation. Its approach has paid dividends, helping Pennsylvania surpass other key gambling markets, including Nevada and New Jersey. The state collected $2.3 billion in casino taxes in 2023, serving as a model for other jurisdictions grappling with the challenges of modern gaming.