Pennsylvania Approves Grant for Digital Gambling Support Program

New Almond Digital Health platform aims to expand access to responsible gambling education and addiction prevention.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 5:21pm

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A quiet, cinematic painting of a solitary slot machine in an empty casino lounge, bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conceptually representing the need for accessible gambling support resources in a changing industry.Pennsylvania's new digital gambling support platform aims to provide a practical, accessible solution for residents struggling with addiction or at risk of developing one as the gaming industry continues to rapidly evolve.Harrisburg Today

The Pennsylvania General Assembly has approved funding for a first-of-its-kind statewide rollout of a digital platform called Almond Digital Health, which will provide anonymous, on-demand, multilingual access to gambling support services, education, and self-help tools. The platform is designed to complement existing programs and fill gaps in access, particularly as the gaming industry continues to evolve rapidly.

Why it matters

As one of the largest regulated gambling markets in North America, Pennsylvania is taking a proactive approach to ensuring residents have practical, accessible ways to engage with gambling support resources, especially in areas where access barriers exist. The new digital platform is intended to modernize how Pennsylvanians can seek help for gambling-related issues and promote responsible gambling habits.

The details

Almond Digital Health will provide anonymous, on-demand access to education, self-help tools, guidance on exclusion, and support for care coordination and connection to existing services. The platform is designed to complement current programs while also filling gaps in access, particularly as the gaming industry has evolved rapidly in recent years. The rollout will scale through a range of access points, from mobile apps to physical casino spaces, to ensure consistent, early access to support regardless of how or where individuals engage.

  • The rollout will begin over the next several weeks in partnership with sports wagering services and Pennsylvania universities.
  • The Pennsylvania General Assembly approved the funding for the program today, April 17, 2026.

The players

Representative Joe McAndrew

A Pennsylvania state representative from Allegheny County who has long supported changes to problem gambling solutions.

Representative Jim Prokopiak

A Pennsylvania state representative from Bucks County who advocated strongly on behalf of the new gambling support program.

Kath Middleton

The Chief Product Officer of Almond Digital Health, the company behind the new digital gambling support platform.

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What they’re saying

“This will expand access and strengthen the Commonwealth's ability to reach people earlier to promote responsible gambling habits and preventing addiction through education.”

— Representative Joe McAndrew, Pennsylvania State Representative

“This funding reflects a practical approach and will provide instant impact for folks struggling with addiction or at risk of developing one. Gaming has changed drastically in twenty years and for the first time in a long time, we're going to address an evolved issue with an evolved solution.”

— Representative Jim Prokopiak, Pennsylvania State Representative

“This is about scale and access. Pennsylvania is building an approach that works both within and outside traditional care settings.”

— Kath Middleton, Chief Product Officer, Almond Digital Health

What’s next

In the coming weeks, Almond Digital Health will scale through a range of access points for gamblers across both industry and community settings - from mobile apps to physical casino spaces. This approach is designed to ensure consistent, early access to support regardless of how or where individuals engage.

The takeaway

Pennsylvania's investment in a comprehensive, digital-first gambling support platform represents a proactive and innovative approach to addressing the evolving needs of its residents as the gaming industry continues to rapidly transform. By providing accessible, anonymous, and multilingual resources, the state aims to promote responsible gambling habits and prevent addiction through early intervention and education.