PGCB slaps Live! Casino Philadelphia operator with $100,000 fine in proxy betting scandal

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) has taken a tough stance with the operator of Live! Casino and Hotel Philadelphia by hitting them with a $100,000 fine.

Following a public board meeting last week, permission was given to mete out the punishment after the operator accepted roughly $300,000 in proxy bets over the phone.

Several staff members became embroiled in the scandal where they accepted and placed 15 wagers from a patron totaling $287,421 over an eight-day period, even though the casino’s policy strictly prohibited this.

The patron had promised to pay a visit to the casino, but when all three bets lost, he failed to show up and refused to return calls when multiple attempts were made to contact him.

It was thought that the perpetrators used cell phones and text messages to try and bypass the casino’s rules.

• A separate investigation concluded there were 12 other similar instances where sportsbook employees placed wagers for a gambler when they were not present at the casino.

• In one instance, Craig Clark, Live! Casino’s EVP and general manager, made note of a time when a tip was given.

• Apart from addressing matters relating to proxy betting, the PGCB also reinforced measures to promote responsible gambling initiatives as well as keep minors safe.

A statement read:
“Actions such as these to deny statewide gambling initiatives serve as a reminder that adults are prohibited from leaving minors unattended in the parking lot or garage, a hotel, or other venues at a casino since it creates a potentially unsafe and dangerous environment for the children.

“To complement the efforts by casinos to mitigate this issue, the Board created an awareness campaign, ‘Don’t Gamble with Kids’.”

• Since being sanctioned over the proxy betting scandal, Live! Casino and Hotel Philadelphia expressed a commitment to comply with the measures and be more transparent in its approach.

• This incident only added to Live! Casino’s woes given it was caught up in an alleged cheating scheme.

• While such matters don’t paint Live! Casino and Hotel in a good light, perhaps the PGCB will force the operator to clean up its act.

In conclusion, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board’s decision highlights its firm commitment to upholding integrity and accountability within the state’s gaming industry.