Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board fines two operators

(PRESS RELEASE) -- The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board today approved fines totaling $242,500 against two casino operators.

The fines were the result of Board approvals at its public meeting of consent agreements between the PGCB’s Office of Enforcement Counsel and:

- Sands Bethworks Gaming, LLC, operator of the Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem in Northampton County, separate fines of $120,000 for underage gaming violations and a second for $110,000 regarding the awarding of free slot play; and

- Washington Trotting Association, LLC, operator of The Meadows in Washington County, a $12,500 fine for an underage gaming violation.

The first fine levied against Sands Bethworks Gaming, LLC stemmed from 11 incidents in which individuals under the age of 21 accessed the gaming floor:

• An 18-year-old female gained access onto the gaming floor and wagered at slot machines;
• An 18-year-old female gained access onto the gaming floor and wagered at slot machines;
• An 18-year-old female gained access onto the gaming floor and wagered at table games and was served alcohol;
• A 19-year-old female gained access onto the gaming floor and wagered at slot machines;
• A 19-year-old male gained access onto the gaming floor and wagered at slot machines;
• A 19-year-old male gained access onto the gaming floor and wagered at slot machines;
• A 20-year-old male gained access onto the gaming floor and wagered at table games and was served alcohol;
• A 19-year-old male gained access onto the gaming floor and wagered at slot machines;
• A 20-year-old female gained access onto the gaming floor and wagered at slot machines and was served alcohol;
• A 20-year-old male gained access onto the gaming floor and wagered at slot machines; and,
• A 20-year-old male gained access onto the gaming floor on two separate days and wagered at table games and was served alcohol.

The second fine approved by the Board against Sands Bethworks Gaming, LLC for permitting the issuance of free slot play by employees who were not authorized to do so and/or issuing free slot play of amounts above authorized levels. Free slot play is used to build and reward patron loyalty, and drive repeat visits from valuable customers who might otherwise patronize another facility in or outside the Commonwealth.

The fine against Washington Trotting Association, LLC stemmed from an 18-year-old male gaining access onto the gaming floor, wagering at table games and being served alcohol.

The next meeting of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board is scheduled for 10 a.m., Wednesday, 15 May 2019 in the PGCB’s Public Hearing Room located on the second floor of the Strawberry Square Complex in Harrisburg.