Gambling & Bookmaking Attorney in Scranton, Pennsylvania

Gambling activities and the gambling industry are heavily regulated and policed by the states, and Pennsylvania is no exception to this rule. The Pennsylvania criminal code criminalizes the conduct of intentionally setting up any device for gambling. The statute also criminalizes the act of permitting individuals to assemble for unlawful gambling activities on one’s property or inviting someone to visit an illegal gambling establishment to engage in gambling activities. This crime also covers tenants, lessees, or occupants of any building that knowingly allows that building’s use for illegal gambling. The statute categorizes this offense as a first-degree misdemeanor punishable by prison time lasting between ninety days to five years, and a fine of at least $1,500 but no greater than $10,000.

Additionally, the Pennsylvania criminal code criminalizes the act of engaging in selling pools or bookmaking or occupying a place to receive or register bets or sell pools. The offense also covers bets or wagers on the results of political elections and being the custodian of property that has been pledged or wagered in a pool. These crimes are also considered first-degree misdemeanors.

Now that Pennsylvania has legalized gambling, various types of crimes ranging in severity can be charged based upon conduct inside a casino such as Theft, Forgery, Corrupt Organizations, and Wire Fraud and/or conduct committed after spending time inside the casino such as DUI, Assault, Harassment and Disorderly Conduct.

We at the Peters Law Firm can provide clients with effective criminal defense services against gambling and bookmaking charges in the Northeastern Pennsylvania area. We can be your advocate in the Northeastern Pennsylvania area, the Scranton area, and the Tunkhannock and Wyoming Counties. Reach out today.  We can provide you with an initial consultation where we will take the time to listen to the facts and help you figure out what your next step should be.