It's illegal to leave your kids in the car while you gamble, but people still aren't getting the message.

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board is cracking down on parents who leave their kids unattended while gambling.

Over the past few years, it’s become a growing trend of kids being left in vehicles at casinos.

But we’re told Mount Airy Casino near Mount Pocono is ensuring that's not happening here.

It’s a long standing rule minors aren’t allowed on the casino floor. But some parents, grandparents and guardians think all bets are off when it comes to leaving kids unattended in the parking lot or garage.

PA Gaming Control Board Communications Director Doug Harbach says, "There are many incidents amongst these where a child has wandered from the vehicle, wandered into the casino or onto the grounds."

You’re not just rolling the dice when you leave little kids in a vehicle to go gamble or pick up a promotional gift, it’s illegal.

Harbach says, "Whether that vehicle is running, whether that vehicle is not running, whether the windows are up or down, it is illegal."

Regardless of their age it’s unacceptable. You can not only face charges, be reported to child welfare authorities and be banned from the casino but the PA Gaming Control Board is upping the ante.

Harbach says, "We ban them statewide so that they can not enter any of the 17 casinos, otherwise they would face additional penalties for trespassing."

They’ve also introduced a campaign to spread awareness. Since “Don’t Gamble With Kids” was introduced, the numbers of incidents has decreased this year by about 40 percent from last year. But we’re told it’s still an unacceptable number.

That’s one of the reasons behind why Mount Airy Casino instituted a “no-kids” policy last December for the entire property including the hotel, restaurants and pool.

Mount Airy Casino Resort General Manager Ben Koff says, "This is actually becoming an approach that many casinos, not just in the commonwealth are taking but in the country, in different jurisdictions. Making it so that gaming is an adult recreation and kids really don’t have a place at the casino."

The Paradise Township resort also has signage posted inside and outside along with security watching for minors. We’re told it comes down to the parents being held accountable and getting help. Those in charge in Monroe County tell us dontgamblewithkids.org has all the resources.