Pennsylvania State Police Remove 69-Year-Old Woman After Alleged Slot Machine Win at Hollywood Casino

A 69-year-old woman from New Jersey was escorted from the Hollywood Casino in Dauphin County by the Pennsylvania State Police on June 1, 2026, after winning a slot machine jackpot while listed on the state’s lifetime self-exclusion list.

The incident occurred on Sunday, when casino personnel identified the woman, a resident of Asbury, New Jersey, as an individual who had previously requested a permanent ban from gambling establishments within the state. According to reporting from WGAL, the woman was removed from the premises by troopers after the jackpot win triggered a review of her status.

Pennsylvania’s self-exclusion program is a voluntary measure managed by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB). The program allows individuals who recognize they have a gambling problem to formally request that they be prohibited from entering any casino in the Commonwealth.

The lifetime self-exclusion list is the most restrictive tier of this program. Once an individual is placed on the lifetime list, they are permanently barred from entering any licensed casino in Pennsylvania. The PGCB maintains a database of these individuals, which casino operators use to screen patrons and prevent banned individuals from gambling.

Under Pennsylvania gaming regulations, casinos are required to enforce these exclusions. When a person on the self-exclusion list is identified on the casino floor, the establishment must ensure the individual leaves the property. In cases where the individual refuses to leave or where a significant event occurs—such as a jackpot win—law enforcement is often called to assist in the removal process.

The legal implications of winning a jackpot while self-excluded are strict. Because the individual has legally forfeited their right to gamble in the state, they are generally ineligible to collect any winnings. The self-exclusion agreement serves as a legal contract between the individual and the state, acknowledging that any funds wagered or won while on the list cannot be claimed.

The program is designed as a protective mechanism for those struggling with gambling addiction. By creating a legal barrier to entry, the state aims to help individuals maintain their recovery and prevent further financial or personal loss. The lifetime ban is typically reserved for those who have failed multiple shorter-term exclusion periods or who believe a permanent barrier is the only way to stop their gambling behavior.

The Council on Compulsive Gambling provides support and resources for individuals facing gambling addiction. These services include counseling, support groups and guidance on how to navigate the self-exclusion process or seek help for relapse.

Individuals seeking help for gambling addiction can contact the Council on Compulsive Gambling or utilize the resources provided by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.

The Pennsylvania State Police confirmed their involvement in the removal of the woman from the Dauphin County facility, though no charges were immediately reported following the escort.