Philadelphia businesses score big win in skill games row

Article by : Charles Perrin Dec 10, 2024

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Philadelphia businesses will now be able to offer skill games freely on their premises thanks to a crucial court ruling.

At the end of last week, a judge sitting at the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania rescinded a ban on skill-based games which was a city rule.

Skill games bear many resemblances to slot machines, and they have been a subject of contention for casino owners.

Part of the problem lies in the fact they are untaxed and unregulated, but more significantly, they don’t include responsible gambling measures for players.

But Pace-O-Matic (POM), who are renowned skill games developers and distributors, have been in the courts trying to overturn state bans.

Previously, a ban on skill games was passed in March by the Philadelphia City Council, and in some quarters, that proved to be a very unpopular decision.

Among the opponents of the ban, included skill games distributor G&B Amusements and gas station owner Harry Sandhu who operates the games. And now skill game operators have got their way.

POM hailed the decision, claiming the win was a “victory for small business owners”.

In a statement, POM spokesman Mike Barley said: “Pace-O-Matic is pleased, and not surprised that the Commonwealth Court agrees the ban passed by Philadelphia City Council is unlawful.

“Lifting it is a victory for Philadelphia small businesses that count on the supplemental income they receive when patrons play for the Pennsylvania Skill Games they operate in their establishments.

“This ban did nothing more than harm businesses that are already struggling because of the economy.”

Originally, a similar ban had been passed in the Philadelphia suburb of Bensalem. But now it is thought that the ban has been put on hold pending the outcome of other appeals.

The row over skill games has been long-standing in the industry, with The American Gaming Association (AGA) supporting a ban.

While it seems like things have died down for now, this story is likely to rumble on for months and years. It’s just a case of who will blink first!