On Thursday, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) levied a hefty fine of $125,000 against Wind Creek Bethlehem for allowing underage individuals to enter and gamble on the casino floor. The violation, which occurred on multiple occasions, has raised concerns about the casino’s security measures and its commitment to preventing underage gambling.
According to the PGCB, Wind Creek Bethlehem failed to adequately verify the ages of several individuals who were caught gambling on the premises. State regulations require casinos to check identification cards for anyone who appears to be under 21 years old, in order to prevent minors from participating in any form of gambling activity. The casino’s lax enforcement of these rules resulted in several instances where underage individuals were able to access the casino floor and place bets.
In response to the fine, Wind Creek Bethlehem released a statement expressing regret for the oversight and ensuring the public that they are taking steps to address the issue. “We take our responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of our guests very seriously, and we deeply regret that this incident occurred,” the statement read. The casino also stated that they are implementing additional training protocols for their staff to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.
This is not the first time Wind Creek Bethlehem has been penalized for allowing underage gambling. In 2018, the casino was fined $68,000 for similar violations, further highlighting the need for stronger oversight and enforcement measures.
The PGCB’s decision to fine Wind Creek Bethlehem serves as a reminder to all casinos in the state to adhere to strict regulations regarding underage gambling. Casinos are required to rigorously check identification cards and closely monitor their premises to prevent minors from accessing their facilities. Failure to comply with these guidelines can result in significant financial penalties and damage to the casino’s reputation.
As Wind Creek Bethlehem works to rectify the situation and improve their security measures, the public can rest assured that the PGCB is actively monitoring the situation to ensure that all casinos in Pennsylvania are adhering to the highest standards of compliance and safety.
