Watchdog details gambling problems inside USP Canaan

Federal inspectors reported that sports gambling materials were openly displayed across multiple housing units at USP Canaan in Pennsylvania. During an unannounced June 2025 inspection, investigators repeatedly found betting-related flyers in inmate common areas, including locations under televisions, on tables, and on top of a correctional officer control panel. Inspectors said the materials were widespread across all five housing units visited and included laminated flyers and others typewritten and photocopied from the same electronic file. Investigators also found a gambling table mat with playing cards and markings for dealer and bet placements. Federal Bureau of Prisons rules ban gambling and gambling-related materials, and violations can lead to disciplinary penalties such as segregation or loss of good-conduct credits.

"“We observed gambling flyers under televisions, on tables, and on top of a correctional officer control panel,” the report said. One flyer was “partially covering a Prison Rape Elimination Act reporting poster.”"

"“We observed sports gambling flyers posted throughout the common areas in all five housing units we visited,” the report stated. Investigators also found “a gambling table mat with playing cards,” including “markings for a dealer and for bet placements.”"

"“At least one of the flyers was laminated,” inspectors wrote, while others “appeared to be typewritten and photocopied from the same electronic file.” The watchdog added that the flyers “were widespread and unconcealed,” raising concerns about “potential employee awareness and acceptance of inmate gambling.”"

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