Pennsylvania Lawmakers Move to Ban Skill Games

Article by : Erik Gibbs Nov 3, 2023

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Legislators in Pennsylvania have introduced a bill this week aimed at prohibiting “skill” slot machines in the state. The bill was introduced by Sen. Amanda Cappelletti, representing Delaware and Montgomery, and Rep. Mark Rozzi from Berk.

Rozzi expressed concerns about these skill games, stating that they not only exploit machine users but also divert funds that should be allocated to Pennsylvania Lottery programs, which support senior citizen initiatives.

Rozzi further added that these games siphon off casino patrons and have a detrimental impact on the revenue generated by legal slot machines, which are taxed at a high rate of 52%.

This reduction in revenue has implications for critical programs such as the Property Tax Relief Fund, the Race Horse Development Fund and local share accounts, which fund essential local projects and the operations of various nonprofit organizations, including volunteer fire companies and public safety agencies.

Both Cappelletti and Rozzi argued that these unsanctioned gambling devices tend to attract illegal and undesirable activities, which were explicitly meant to be prevented by the Pennsylvania General Assembly when they passed the Gaming Act in 2004.

Subsequent amendments to the Gaming Act in 2010 and 2017 reinforced the notion that gaming should only take place in regulated and controlled environments.

Cappelletti emphasized that these gambling machines are widespread throughout Pennsylvania, often found in convenience stores, restaurants, malls, gas stations and other commercial establishments.

Despite the illusion of state oversight, there is a lack of consumer protection measures, safeguards against underage gambling, support for problem gamblers, money-laundering controls and other regulations to shield Pennsylvanians from these predatory machines.

The proposed legislation is currently being circulated to gather co-sponsors and is a companion bill to Cappelletti’s S.B. 969.

Both bills aim to amend Title 18 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes (Crimes and Offenses) to include the definition of a “slot machine” as outlined in the Gaming Act.

The definition of a slot machine was expanded in the 2017 amendments to the Gaming Act to encompass all forms of skill games.

According to Section 5513 of Title 18, slot machines in Pennsylvania are illegal unless they fall within specific narrow exceptions, such as machines authorized by the Gaming Control Board for use in regulated casino facilities.