Senator Dan Laughlin: “SB 840 gives casinos the ability to right-size their operations”
Focus Gaming News spoke with Pennsylvania Senator Dan Laughlin about Senate Bill 840, which aims to modernise casino regulations by reducing slot machine requirements.
Exclusive interview.- In June, the Pennsylvania Senate approved legislation sponsored by Senator Dan Laughlin to reduce the minimum number of slot machines on casino floors. To understand the objectives behind this proposal and its potential impact on operators, communities, and the state’s competitiveness, Focus Gaming News spoke to Senator Laughlin, sponsor of the bill.
The Pennsylvania Senate approved a bill you sponsored to reduce the minimum number of slot machines on casino floors. What is the main objective of the proposal?
The objective of Senate Bill 840 is to modernise Pennsylvania’s casino regulations by lowering the required number of slot machines for Category 1 and Category 2 casinos from 1,500 to 1,000. The change reflects how the industry has evolved, with more players moving toward table games, sportsbooks, and online gaming. By giving casinos flexibility, the bill ensures they can adapt their floors to match customer demand rather than being bound by outdated quotas.
What changes could the proposed bill bring to Pennsylvania businesses?
SB 840 gives casinos the ability to right-size their operations, which can reduce unnecessary costs and free up resources for other investments. That might include adding more entertainment options, expanding restaurants, or improving amenities that draw visitors. For Pennsylvania’s economy, this means casinos can stay competitive, maintain jobs, and continue generating strong tax revenue that supports local communities and public services.
What kind of feedback have you received from local casino operators and other stakeholders regarding the bill?
The response has been very positive. Operators have said the flexibility will allow them to make better business decisions while still meeting their obligations to the state and local governments. They view this as a commonsense adjustment that strengthens the industry without sacrificing oversight.
Beyond this initiative, do you believe additional changes are needed to ensure the long-term competitiveness of Pennsylvania’s gaming industry?
Yes, this is an important step, but not the last one. The gaming industry is constantly changing, and Pennsylvania has to keep pace with technological advances and consumer trends. That could mean refining regulations for new game formats, ensuring our tax structure remains competitive with neighbouring states, and encouraging innovation in both online and in-person gaming. The long-term health of the industry depends on our ability to remain flexible and forward-looking.
“The gaming industry is constantly changing, and Pennsylvania has to keep pace with technological advances and consumer trends.”
Senator Dan Laughlin.
How would you assess the current state of Pennsylvania’s gaming market, and what makes it stand out at a national level?
Pennsylvania is one of the strongest gaming markets in the country, second only to Nevada in overall casino revenue. What makes us unique is the diversity of our offerings—slots, table games, igaming, sports betting, fantasy contests, and video gaming terminals all contribute to a broad and resilient market. That diversity, paired with strong regulatory oversight, has allowed Pennsylvania to generate billions in revenue while supporting thousands of jobs. At the same time, casinos in places like Erie face added pressure from competition across state lines, with nearby facilities in New York and Ohio creating unique challenges for attracting and retaining customers. The challenge now is to build on our success and make sure our regulations continue to reflect today’s realities.
“Pennsylvania is one of the strongest gaming markets in the country, second only to Nevada in overall casino revenue.”
Senator Dan Laughlin.
