Ortitay bill to streamline gambling assistance passed in House
Rep. Jason Ortitay’s legislation to streamline the commonwealth’s problem gambling assistance programs passed the House of Representatives on Wednesday with unanimous support.
House Bill 1887 would require the Department of Health establish and maintain one toll-free problem gambling assistance number, which all in-state casinos must make available to patrons.
Current law does require the Department of Health maintain a toll-free gambling assistance number. The law also requires that casinos make gambling assistance numbers available to patrons. However, during a recent hearing before the House Gaming Oversight Committee, of which Ortitay, R- South Fayette Township, is a member, it was uncovered that that there are several toll-free gambling assistance numbers being maintained and used in the state.
H.B. 1887 can now be considered by the Senate.