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PA Bulletin, Doc. No. 08-317

STATEMENTS OF POLICY

Title 58--RECREATION

PENNSYLVANIA GAMING CONTROL BOARD

[ 58 PA. CODE CH. 421b ]

Advertising Guidelines

[38 Pa.B. 977]
[Saturday, February 23, 2008]

   The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board's (Board) regulation in § 501a.5 (relating to signage requirements) requires slot machine licensees to submit signs, for approval by the Director of the Office of Compulsive and Problem Gambling (Office), that provide information related to where individuals may obtain assistance if they think they may have a gambling problem. Additionally, on January 24, 2008, the Board adopted final-form regulations relating to advertising that require advertisements to also contain a statement indicating where an individual can request assistance with problem gambling. The statements used in advertisements must also be approved by the Director. These requirements do not apply to messages and displays on slot machines.

   To provide guidance for licensees and to speed the review of the gambling assistance message a licensee desires to use, the Board has developed model language and some design specifications that will be used as part of the review process.

Fiscal Impact

   The provisions in this statement of policy provide guidance as to what print size and statements will be acceptable for use by slot machine, manufacturer and junket licensees on signs or in advertisements in this Commonwealth. To the extent this may speed up the review process, there may be some small savings for the affected licensees.

Contact Person

   The contact persons for questions about this statement of policy are Nanette Horner, Director of the Office of Compulsive and Problem Gambling, (717) 346-2703 and Richard Sandusky, Director of Regulatory Review, (717) 214-8111.

Effective Date

   This statement of policy took effect January 24, 2008.

MARY DIGIACOMO COLINS,   
Chairperson

   (Editor's Note: Title 58 of the Pennsylvania Code is amended by adding statements of policy in §§ 421b.1--421b.4 (relating to advertising guidelines) to read as set forth in Annex A.)

   Fiscal Note:  125-83. No fiscal impact; (8) recommends adoption.

Annex A

TITLE 58.  RECREATION

PART VII.  GAMING CONTROL BOARD

Subpart B.  LICENSING, PERMITTING, CERTIFICATION AND REGISTRATION

CHAPTER 421b.  ADVERTISING GUIDELINES--STATEMENT OF POLICY

Sec.

421b.1.Signs, direct mail marketing materials, posters and print advertisements.
421b.2.Billboards.
421b.3.Video and television advertisements.
421b.4.Statements for sources of gambling assistance.

§ 421b.1.  Signs, direct mail marketing materials, posters and print advertisements.

   The height of the font used for the gambling assistance message in signs, direct mail marketing materials, posters and other print advertisements should be at least the same size as the majority of the text used in the sign, direct mail marketing material, poster or other print advertisement or 2% of the height or width, whichever is greater, of the sign, direct mail marketing material, poster or other print advertisement, whichever is greater.

§ 421b.2.  Billboards.

   The height of the font used for the gambling assistance message should be at least 5% of the height or width, whichever is greater, of the face of the billboard.

§ 421b.3.  Video and television advertisements.

   (a)  The height of the font used for the gambling assistance message should be at least 2% of the height or width, whichever is greater, of the image that will be displayed.

   (b)  The gambling assistance message should be visible for the entire time the video or television advertisement is displayed.

§ 421b.4.  Statements for sources of gambling assistance.

   The following statements may be used to provide information on assistance for potential gambling problems:

   (1)  If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call (toll free telephone number).

   (2)  Gambling Problem? Please call (toll free telephone number).

   (3)  Gambling Problem? Call (toll free telephone number).

[Pa.B. Doc. No. 08-317. Filed for public inspection February 22, 2008, 9:00 a.m.]


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