In June, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) notified all online gaming companies in the state of a regulatory change. Now, the state’s gaming regulator has introduced multi-factor authentication process online casinos and sports betting apps are required to impose within the jurisdiction by December 31, 2022.
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Pennsylvania to implement the two-factor authentication security feature
Every 14 days, regardless of activity, multi factor authentication must be active. In addition, independent third parties must annually assess the security of these measures and provide PGCB with the results of these security audits.
Finally, operators must encrypt the personal information of players to maintain the highest level of security. These security measures must be evaluated every three months.
Adding Additional Security for Protection for Players
While this rule is new, most online casinos and sportsbooks currently offer two-factor authentication. Some players feel safer with an additional layer of protection. By establishing this rule, the PGCB was well ahead of many other states.
Its Director of Communications, Doug Harbach, provided additional explanation for PA’s decision. Harbach told PlayPennsylvania, The PGCB’s top focus has always been the security and protection of the Pennsylvania gaming public.
Integrating a New Multi-Factor Technology
Already, operators such as FanDuel and Unibet are reaching out to players to inform them of this upcoming shift at the end of the month. Several operators, including BetPARX, have integrated the new multi-factor technology.
Although the timing may appear to be in response to a current surge of fraud incidents, the PGCB issued this directive in the summer to provide operators ample time to execute the remedy.
Harbach further underlined that despite the fact that this action by the operators will aid in detecting and combating fraud, customers must continue practicing basic cybersecurity hygiene. For example, they are discouraged from using the same password for various internet accounts.
Pennsylvania as Third State to Impose Two-Factor Authentication
Pennsylvania is the third state in North America to impose two-factor authentication for regulated operators, joining New Jersey and Ontario. The state’s players should monitor their email and platform-specific notifications. Within PA, operators have little over two weeks to complete multi-factor authentication.
