5.7% of Pennsylvania bettors drive 80% of losses, study finds

A state study found 0.5% of one sportsbook’s customers generated over 70% of its total revenue through its VIP program.

The hit

Pennsylvania state Reps Tarik Khan & Jamie Flick have filed three bills to ban micro bets, same-game prop parlays & VIP programs, & to cap online casino wagers, according to Legal Sports Report. The package would also ban credit card gambling funding & set loss limits for all players, with tighter caps for ages 21 to 25.

Why it matters

Members of Congress have repeatedly pressed FanDuel for details on its VIP program & marketing practices, then widened that scrutiny to other operators, according to Legal Sports Report. HB 2879 would also prohibit or restrict the use of AI & behavioural data to create individualised promotions that may increase gambling-related harm.

The record

Younger player stake cap	$2 per play for ages 21-25 (HB 2879)
Older player stake cap	$5 per play for over-25s (HB 2879)
Daily loss lockout, ages 21-25	$750 triggers a 24-hour lockout
Monthly loss lockout, ages 21-25	$2,500 triggers a 30-day lockout
Bettor concentration	5.7% of online sports bettors made 80% of expenditure (Joint State Government Commission study)
Study backing	House resolution passed 189-14 in 2025, report released July

What happens next

Pennsylvania’s legislative session ends 30 November & bills do not carry over to 2027, so the three-bill package must clear committee & both chambers before then or die.

Sources: Bipartisan Bills Would Ban Micro Bets, Cap Online Casino Losses In Pennsylvania

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