Gaming regulators fine Wind Creek Bethlehem $20K for self-exclusion violation

Wind Creek Bethlehem must pay a $20,000 fine after allowing a self-excluded gambler to play at the venue for four days before cutting off services. The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board made the fine public during its most recent meeting. The individual was able to play table games for a four-day time frame before staff members realized she was on the self-exclusion list.

Self-Exclusion Violation

The self-exclusion program in Pennsylvania started in 2006 and thousands of people have used it over the years to cut back on gambling activities. Anyone on the list is banned from visiting casinos, off-track betting sites, playing video gaming terminals, and online gaming.

Anyone taking part in gambling while on the list is ineligible for any winnings or recovery of losses. They cannot accept complimentary gifts from operators or services. Casinos like Wind Creek are supposed to identify the individuals and stop them from entering the casino. This is where Wind Creek failed and why they must pay the fine.

The female player at Wind Creek was able to play for four days back in January 2021 and spend over $10,000 in cash. She was finally confronted after four days and had only just over $200 left from the large amount she had been playing with. The gambler spent most of her time at the midi-baccarat tables.

It is unclear how the player was able to stay at the casino for such a long time before it was determined that she was on the self-exclusion list. An ID check is a common way in which such gamblers are caught trying to gain access to the casino floor.

Hollywood Casino Also Fined

The Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course was also fined along with Wind Creek. The casino must pay $7,500 for a violation connected to self-exclusion. The casino allowed a player to access slot machines while they were part of the self-exclusion list.

The individual was able to cash a check to play the games. When she went back to cash another check, the staff member asked for her ID and was able to verify that she was on the self-exclusion list. She was then stopped from gambling.

The process of enrolling in the program is simple if needed by players in the state. The process takes just a few minutes online or players can schedule an appointment with the Office of Compulsive and Problem Gambling to fill out an application in person.