PA Gaming Control Board – Harrisburg, PA

Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) is the independent state agency tasked with overseeing and regulating the casino and gambling industry within the Commonwealth. Headquartered in the Commonwealth Tower at 303 Walnut Street (part of the Strawberry Square complex) in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, the Board ensures the integrity of legalized gaming. Created by the Race Horse Development and Gaming Act of 2004, the PGCB’s jurisdiction has expanded from slot machines to include table games, sports wagering, internet gaming (iGaming), fantasy sports contests, and video gaming terminals (VGTs) at truck stops. The agency is dedicated to protecting the public interest by ensuring that gaming is conducted honestly and free from criminal influence. It is also responsible for generating significant tax revenue for property tax relief, economic development, and the horse racing industry.

Key Regulatory Functions

• Licensing: Rigorous background checks and licensing for casinos, manufacturers, suppliers, and gaming employees to ensure suitability and integrity.
• Compliance and Enforcement: Monitoring casino operations 24/7 through on-site staff and the Bureau of Investigations and Enforcement (BIE) to enforce strict adherence to state laws.
• Consumer Protection: Managing the Self-Exclusion Program, which allows individuals to voluntarily ban themselves from gambling activities to address problem gambling behavior.
• Hearings and Appeals: Conducting public hearings and adjudicating appeals regarding licensing decisions, fines, and exclusions (Note: The Office of Hearings and Appeals is located on the 2nd Floor of Strawberry Square).
• Audit and Revenue: Verifying gaming revenue to ensure the accurate collection of taxes due to the Commonwealth.

Location and Access

The PGCB’s main executive offices are located on the 5th Floor of the Commonwealth Tower, which is integrated into the Strawberry Square mixed-use complex in downtown Harrisburg. Access to the Commonwealth Tower elevators is secured. Visitors, including those attending board meetings or hearings, must present valid government-issued photo identification at the security desk in the lobby. Security screening, including metal detectors and bag checks, is standard procedure for entry into hearing rooms and executive areas. Weapons of any kind are strictly prohibited. Public board meetings are typically held in the dedicated Public Hearing Room on the 2nd Floor of Strawberry Square, adjacent to the food court area.

Transit and Parking

Strawberry Square is a central hub in Harrisburg, making the PGCB highly accessible. The complex is a short walk from the Harrisburg Transportation Center (Amtrak and Greyhound). Multiple Capital Area Transit (CAT) bus routes stop directly at or near the Walnut Street and 3rd Street entrances. Parking is available in the Walnut Street Garage (connected to the complex) and the Harrisburg University Garage. Metered street parking is also available on surrounding streets but is strictly enforced.