The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board Sanctions Two Operators and Excludes 10 Individuals
The regulatory body imposes fines on MGM Resorts International and CountR GmbH and expands its exclusion list following the public meeting in September in Harrisburg.
Key Takeaways
- The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board imposed financial penalties on MGM Resorts International and CountR GmbH.
- CountR GmbH was fined for unauthorized control changes and failure to pay fees.
- Ten individuals were added to the Involuntary Exclusion Lists during the public meeting.
- The total number of individuals excluded by the Board reached 1,507.
- The "Don’t Gamble with Kids" campaign reinforces minor protections in Pennsylvania casinos.
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) approved two consent agreements during its public meeting on September 23, 2026, resulting in financial penalties for MGM Resorts International and CountR GmbH. Additionally, the Board decided to add 10 individuals to its Involuntary Exclusion Lists, reinforcing restrictions on access to gaming throughout the state.
Sanctioning MGM Resorts International and CountR GmbH
The Office of Enforcement Counsel (OEC) of the PGCB presented two consent agreements to the Board. The first establishes that MGM Resorts International must pay a $50,250 fine for failing to timely submit a primary license application. The second agreement impacts CountR GmbH, a Germany-based company that made an unauthorized change in its control structure and also failed to pay the required licensing fees. CountR GmbH agreed, through this consent agreement, to pay $50,000 to regularize its situation with the Pennsylvania regulator.
The complete documents of these agreements are available through the Board's Office of Communications. Both sanctions reflect the regulator's ongoing vigilance regarding strict adherence to licensure obligations and control structures.
Involuntary Exclusion Lists: New Additions
The PGCB also agreed to include 10 new individuals on several of its exclusion lists. Being listed on an Involuntary Exclusion List prohibits these individuals from accessing casinos in Pennsylvania, regulated online betting platforms, and Video Gaming Terminals (VGTs) supervised by the Board.
Following this action, the total number of individuals excluded by regulator's decision has risen to 1,507. The decision was supported by the Chief Counsel's Office and the OEC, who reviewed individual cases, including one incident where an adult left a five-year-old child unattended for 36 minutes in the parking lot of Harrah’s Philadelphia Casino while playing the slots.
Policies for Minor Protection and Awareness Campaign
Actions like the aforementioned reinforce the regulator's policy to deny gaming privileges to those who put minors at risk in gaming environments. The agency reminds that adults are prohibited from leaving minors unattended in parking lots, hotels, or anywhere in a casino, as it constitutes an unsafe environment for children.
To assist operators in preventing this issue, the Board launched the awareness campaign "Don’t Gamble with Kids." Through this initiative, available at DontGamblewithKids.org, the PGCB aims to reinforce the message of zero tolerance towards negligent behaviors.
Upcoming Sessions and Regulatory Transparency
The next public meeting of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board is scheduled for Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at 10:00 AM, in the hearing room of the Strawberry Square complex in Harrisburg. The agenda and more information will be available on the regulator's official website prior to the event.
Transparency and regulatory compliance remain priorities for the PGCB, positioning Pennsylvania as a leading jurisdiction in responsible gaming regulation and consumer protection.
For more updates on regulatory activity in Pennsylvania and other jurisdictions, refer to the regulation section or visit the news section.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was MGM Resorts International sanctioned by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board?
MGM Resorts International received a fine of $50,250 for failing to timely submit a primary license application, as determined by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board at the September 2026 meeting.
What was the reason for the sanction imposed on CountR GmbH in Pennsylvania?
CountR GmbH was fined $50,000 due to an unauthorized change of control over its license and for not paying the regulatory fees established by the Board.
What does being included on the PGCB's Involuntary Exclusion List mean?
Being listed on the Involuntary Exclusion List prohibits the individual from accessing physical casinos, regulated online gaming, and VGTs under the jurisdiction of the Board in Pennsylvania.
How many individuals are currently on the exclusion lists regulated by the PGCB?
With the ten additions from this session, the total number of individuals excluded by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board stands at 1,507.
What measures has the PGCB taken regarding the protection of minors in casinos?
The PGCB emphasizes the prohibition of leaving minors unattended in gaming facilities and promotes the 'Don’t Gamble with Kids' campaign to raise awareness about the risks and legal responsibilities.
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About the author
Miguel Sandoval
Regulatory Affairs Correspondent
Miguel Sandoval tracks gambling legislation, licensing, and regulator enforcement — from Spain's DGOJ and the Latin American authorities to the UKGC, the MGA, and the state-by-state map in North America. The reports answer three questions precisely — what changed, where, and who it affects — with jurisdictions, dates, and penalties cited exactly as published. Operators and compliance officers read Miguel Sandoval to know which rulebook moved before their next meeting.
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