Skill Games Are Illegal, PA Court Says. Now What?
The ruling affects an estimated 70,000 machines statewide and leaves lawmakers 120 days to create a tax and licensing system.
- On Monday, Pennsylvania's Supreme Court ruled skill games are illegal slot machines prohibited outside casinos, granting a 120-day stay to allow lawmakers until October to establish regulatory framework and prevent widespread device seizures.
- Gov Josh Shapiro proposed a 52% tax rate earlier this year aligning with casino taxation, but Republican and Democratic leadership in the Senate remain divided over fee structures and regulatory approaches.
- State Sen Gene Yaw proposed a 16% tax rate while Rep Danilo Burgos suggests a $500-a-month flat fee; both industry-backed proposals would cap terminals at 50,000, contrasting Shapiro's 40,000-machine cap.
- Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker celebrated the ruling, arguing devices perpetuate "high rates of poverty, crime and violence" in vulnerable communities. Chuck Moran of the Pennsylvania Licensed Beverage and Tavern Association noted businesses rely on machine profits.
- With Pennsylvania facing about $5 billion in budget shortfalls, lawmakers must weigh revenue projections ranging from approximately $300 million to up to $1.2 billion annually. State House Minority Leader Jesse Topper urged integrating skill games into the broader gaming fold rather than chasing revenue alone.
12 Articles
12 Articles
Mayor Parker praises Pa. Supreme Court ruling on 'predatory' skill games
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker says she supports the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruling that found skill games must be regulated as slot machines. Parker said the terminals prey on vulnerable residents in poorer communities.
Skill games are illegal, PA court says. Now what?
HARRISBURG — A court-imposed clock is now ticking for state lawmakers to regulate skill games after years of failure to come to a deal. Lawmakers had said they were waiting for a ruling on skill games to act, and this week they got it: In a scathing decision Monday, justices said skill games are, in fact, slot machines subject to gambling laws. In other words, the devices, which have long existed in a legal gray area, are now prohibited outside …
Pa. Supreme Court's skill games ruling could hit local organizations
Numerous businesses and social organizations across Greater Johnstown now face uncertain futures regarding the ubiquitous money-generating electronic skill games that have popped up in bars, restaurants, private clubs, gas stations, grocery stores and other locations.
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