ComplianceUnited States · Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania advertising rules
The advertising rules that apply to gambling in Pennsylvania, and how the Playbook RG library maps to them: required disclosures, prohibited content, and channel-by-channel guidance. Educational reference, not legal advice.
- Tier
- 1
- Reading level
- Grade 9–12
- Channels
- Blog, In app
- Tone
- Confident informative
- Audience
- General
- Last updated
- 2026-03-22
Governing regulations
| Regulation | Scope | URL |
|---|---|---|
| 58 Pa. Code 501a.7 | General advertising standards (all gaming) | pacodeandbulletin.gov |
| 58 Pa. Code 813a.2 | Interactive gaming advertisement requirements | pacodeandbulletin.gov |
| 58 Pa. Code 1409a | Sports wagering advertisements (cross-references 501a.7 and 813a) | pacodeandbulletin.gov |
Required gambling assistance message
All gaming advertisements must include a gambling assistance message that includes the telephone number established by the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) for compulsive gambling support.
Required number: 1-800-GAMBLER
The OCPG (Office of Compulsive and Problem Gambling) has authority to require immediate discontinuation of any advertisement deemed harmful to the public interest or gaming integrity.
Font size standards (501a.7)
Pennsylvania specifies minimum font sizes for the gambling assistance message by medium:
Print materials
| Standard | Minimum |
|---|---|
| Primary | Font height must match the majority font size used in the advertisement |
| Alternative | 2% of the advertisement’s height or width (whichever is greater) |
| Which applies | Whichever standard produces the larger text |
Billboards
| Standard | Minimum |
|---|---|
| Height or width | 5% of the billboard’s height or width (whichever is greater) |
Video and television
| Approach | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Option A: Throughout | 2% of the image size, displayed for the duration of the video/TV ad |
| Option B: End screen | 8% of the image size on a dedicated final screen for at least the last 3 seconds |
Operators may choose either approach.
Websites
| Context | Minimum |
|---|---|
| General website pages | Same size as the majority of text on the webpage |
| Gaming-specific advertisements | 2% of the ad’s dimensions |
Interactive gaming co-branding (813a.2)
All interactive gaming advertisements directed to Pennsylvania residents must be co-branded, clearly and prominently displaying the name or logo (or both) of both the:
- Interactive gaming certificate holder (the casino licensee)
- Interactive gaming operator (the platform operator)
Both must appear in equal size and quality.
Channels requiring co-branding
| Channel | Co-branding required? |
|---|---|
| TV advertisements about iGaming availability | Yes |
| Radio advertisements about iGaming availability | Yes |
| Direct mail to PA residents | Yes |
| Emails to PA residents | Yes |
| Text messages to PA residents | Yes |
| Billboards within Pennsylvania | Yes |
| Print publications based in Pennsylvania | Yes |
Prohibited practices
| Prohibition | Source |
|---|---|
| Employing individuals to persuade patrons to gamble on the gaming floor | 501a.7 |
| False or misleading information | 501a.7 |
| Obscuring conditions or limiting factors through font, size, color, or placement | 501a.7 |
| Indecent or offensive graphics or audio | 813a.2 |
| Content that obscures or obstructs active gameplay | 813a.2 |
| Content conflicting with game rules or stated conditions | 813a.2 |
| Targeting excluded players | 813a.2 |
| Capping or limiting winnings after promotion terms are met | 813a.3 |
Promotion requirements (813a.3)
Interactive gaming promotions require:
- Board notification at least 5 business days before launch
- Filed documentation including: terms, eligibility, wagering requirements, game restrictions, fund withdrawal limitations
- Gambling assistance message: “If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call 1-800-GAMBLER.”
- Clear and conspicuous terms posted on the platform
Sports wagering advertising (1409a)
Sports wagering advertising must comply with all provisions from Subparts C-E, I, and L. This means sports betting ads are subject to:
- The same font size standards as general gaming ads (501a.7)
- The same co-branding requirements as iGaming ads (813a.2) for mobile/online sportsbooks
- The same prohibited practices
Sports wagering contests and tournaments must:
- File terms with the Office of Sports Wagering at least 2 business days before launch
- Post all terms on the website/app in clear, plain language
- Use only non-cash credits (no real money during tournament play)
Playbook RG advertising compliance checklist
- 1-800-GAMBLER appears in all ads with prescribed font sizing
- Print ads: 2% minimum or match majority font (whichever is larger)
- Billboards: 5% minimum
- Video/TV: 2% throughout OR 8% end screen (3 sec minimum)
- Website ads: match majority text or 2% for gaming-specific
- iGaming ads are co-branded (certificate holder + operator, equal size/quality)
- All conditions and limitations clearly disclosed
- No prohibited content
- Promotions filed with Board 5+ days in advance
- Sports wagering contests filed with Office of Sports Wagering 2+ days in advance
- All records of bonuses and promotions maintained electronically (813a.5)
Cross-references: Pennsylvania Compliance Module | Application Guidelines | Stigma-Free Language Guide
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Educational mapping, not legal advice. Verify against the cited regulations and with counsel.