Key Takeaways
- House Bill 2631 was filed by Pennsylvania Representative Jason Ortitay on June 12, 2026
- The legislation mandates geofencing technology to prevent online gambling access from K-12 school properties
- Licensed gambling operators currently utilize geolocation systems for state boundary enforcement
- The proposed law memorializes Ray Mikesell, who struggled with gambling addiction from his school years until his death by suicide
- Problem gambling experts support the measure but emphasize the need for comprehensive educational programs
A legislative effort in Pennsylvania seeks to prevent students from accessing online gambling platforms while on school property. The measure, filed on June 12, would mandate that regulated betting operators implement geofencing around every K-12 school in the state.
Representative Jason Ortitay, representing constituents in Allegheny and Washington counties, authored House Bill 2631. Six fellow legislators have signed on as co-sponsors: Representatives Anderson, Flick, Merski, Kuzma, Verobish, and Kutz.
“Our schools should be a place for learning, not a place to lose your future one bet at a time,” Ortitay stated publicly.
Implementation of Geofencing Technology
Under the proposed legislation, every licensed online casino and sportsbooks operating in Pennsylvania would need to establish virtual perimeters around school campuses. These digital barriers would prevent any gambling activity—regardless of the account holder—from occurring within designated school zones.
The state’s existing framework already permits regulated online gambling for adults aged 21 and over. Gaming companies operating in Pennsylvania deploy geolocation technology to ensure betting activities remain confined to state borders. According to Ortitay, this same technological infrastructure can be repurposed for school protection.
“It’ll take some work and time to implement, but it can be done,” he explained to Gambling Insider.
Reports indicate students have been logging into betting applications on mobile devices during instructional time. Troublingly, some underage individuals have gained access to gambling platforms by using accounts belonging to their parents, placing wagers and playing casino games between classes.
The bill’s scope is limited to elementary, middle, and high schools. Universities, community colleges, and other higher education facilities would not fall under these restrictions.
Personal Tragedy Inspires Legislative Action
Ortitay crafted this legislation as a tribute to Ray Mikesell, a South Fayette Township resident whose battle with compulsive gambling began during his school years. After years of struggling with the addiction, Mikesell tragically took his own life.
Raymond Mikesell Jr., the victim’s father, contacted Ortitay seeking legislative solutions to spare other families from experiencing similar heartbreak.
“If this legislation helps even one person, it is worth it,” the grieving father stated. “This is for my son.”
According to Ortitay, the bill was developed through collaboration with the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, which has expressed support for the initiative. When contacted for this story, the PGCB did not provide a response.
Ortitay expressed confidence about the bill’s prospects, noting the difficulty of opposing child protection measures. “At the end of the day, who’s going to come out and say they want minors gambling illegally at schools?” he remarked.
The legislation currently awaits consideration by the House Gaming Oversight Committee.
Problem Gambling Experts Call for Broader Approach
Josh Ercole, who leads Pennsylvania’s Council on Compulsive Gambling as executive director, described the bill as “a great starting point.” However, he cautioned that technological barriers alone won’t solve the underlying problem.
Ercole emphasized that acknowledging youth gambling as a legitimate concern creates an opening for structured educational interventions. “If we’re not addressing it with any formal education or explanatory prevention messaging, then we’re missing a potential opportunity,” he noted.
Ortitay has championed consumer protection initiatives in the gambling space previously, including efforts to streamline problem gambling resources through the consolidated 1-800-GAMBLER support line.
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