PA Self-Exclusions Up 18% as Gambling Revenue Hits $7B

Jonathan Rodriguez

Written by: Jonathan Rodriguez

Published: Wed Oct 07, 2026, 11:00 am ET

Read Time: 4 minutes

PA Self-Exclusions Up 18% as Gambling Revenue Hits $7B

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Pennsylvania's voluntary gambling self-exclusion programs recorded another sharp increase during fiscal year 2025-26. The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) reported 9,677 new enrollments, up 18.1% from the previous year.

The increase came as Pennsylvania's gambling market reached record financial levels. The PGCB's annual report showed more than 30,000 people enrolled across the state's self-exclusion programs. That figure represents participation across the different programs, rather than simply the number of people added during the latest fiscal year.

The programs cover casino gambling, interactive gaming, video gaming terminals and fantasy contests. Interactive gaming includes online casino games, online poker and online sports betting.

Enrollment Breakdown and Removal Rates

The PGCB recorded 8,197 new self-exclusion enrollments during fiscal 2024-25. That figure increased to 9,677 during the latest fiscal year. The agency also processed roughly 4,500 requests from people seeking removal from the lists.

Pennsylvania's self-exclusion system allows players to restrict their access to specific forms of gambling. The duration and coverage depend on the program selected.

Therefore, the more than 30,000 figure should not be read as 30,000 new enrollments during the latest year. It represents the broader pool of participants across the state's self-exclusion programs.

The latest figures extend a longer-term trend. Self-exclusion participation has increased considerably as Pennsylvania's regulated online gambling market has expanded.

Self-Exclusion Growth Tracks Digital Expansion

The timing of the latest increase also provides an important comparison with online gambling growth. Pennsylvania's iGaming revenue rose 18.4% during fiscal 2025-26, while new self-exclusion enrollments increased 18.1%.

That means the two figures moved almost in lockstep during the latest fiscal year. The comparison does not prove that iGaming growth caused more people to seek self-exclusion. However, it highlights how responsible-gambling tools are expanding alongside the state's digital market.

The connection is particularly relevant because mobile gambling has increased accessibility. US online casinos and US online sportsbooks allow consumers to access gambling products from smartphones and other connected devices.

Pennsylvania's iGaming market generated $2.93 billion during fiscal 2025-26. That represented an 18.42% increase from the previous fiscal year.

As online gambling becomes a larger part of Pennsylvania gambling, self-exclusion tools have become increasingly important. They give consumers a way to restrict their access across participating operators and platforms.

Problem Gambling Remains a Concern

The increase has nevertheless renewed attention on gambling-related harm across the state. A 2025 Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs report estimated that 2.5% to 6.4% of adults could qualify as problem gamblers.

That range represents roughly 200,000 to 700,000 Pennsylvania adults. The report also found higher problem-gambling rates among people who gamble across multiple platforms.

However, rising self-exclusion numbers do not necessarily mean problem gambling increased at the same rate. Greater public awareness can also encourage more people to use available safeguards.

The latest figures therefore offer a broader picture of how consumers interact with Pennsylvania's expanding gambling market.

Gambling Revenue Reaches Record Levels

The increase in self-exclusion participation coincided with another record year for Pennsylvania gambling.

According to the PGCB's fiscal-year revenue report, regulated gambling generated $7.006 billion during fiscal 2025-26. The total covered casino slots and table games, iGaming, sports wagering, video gaming terminals and fantasy contests.

The market also generated $3.098 billion in taxes and fees for the Commonwealth. Both figures represented fiscal-year records.

Online gambling played a particularly important role in that performance. Sports wagering revenue reached $662.95 million, up 35.95% year over year. However, iGaming generated more than four times that amount.

Regulators Face Growing Pressure

The contrasting trends have increased pressure on Pennsylvania lawmakers and regulators. The state wants to preserve gambling revenue while addressing potential harms linked to expanded access.

The PGCB has proposed changes to its gambling regulations, including tighter restrictions around casino advertising. Meanwhile, lawmakers have considered additional responsible-gambling measures.

Sen. Wayne Fontana has also called for restrictions on credit-card use at online casinos. Other proposals would increase transparency around gambling activity and strengthen consumer protections.

The debate will likely continue as Pennsylvania gambling expands across both retail and digital channels. For regulators, rising self-exclusion participation provides another measure of the challenges created by that growth.

For now, the latest figures show two competing trends. Pennsylvania's regulated gambling industry is producing record revenue, while more consumers are choosing to restrict their gambling access. 

The nearly identical growth rates for iGaming revenue and new self-exclusions add another important dimension to that debate.

Jonathan Rodriguez
Jonathan Rodriguez

Jonathan is an avid basketball fan, and is often looking forward to the next upcoming NBA season when not checking players' stats during games. He also likes to keep his ears on the ground for the latest rumblings in the online casino industry.

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