HARRISBURG — Earlier this year, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled that unregulated skill games often found in taverns, convenience stores, bars, and clubs across the commonwealth are like slot machines in the eyes of the law and should be regulated as such. The court gave the Pennsylvania General Assembly 120 days to pass legislation addressing the issue of skill games, after which law enforcement would seize the now-illegal devices if lawmakers fail to act.
With the court-mandated Oct. 13 deadline expiring last night, Sen. Devlin Robinson (R-37) issued a statement expressing disappointment in the lack of action and calling on state leaders to address the issue of skill games for the many businesses across Pennsylvania that rely on the income they generate:
“I am calling on all parties — state government leaders, business owners, and skill game operators — to come to the table and do everything possible to pass reasonable legislation to regulate skill games in Pennsylvania, including adding more session days, if needed, to do so. I’m strongly concerned about the impact this will have on clubs, VFWs, and businesses in Allegheny County and statewide.
“We need to find a way to regulate these skill games, tax them at an appropriate level, use the tax revenue to benefit our communities, ensure they’re in compliance with age restrictions, and limit them to the appropriate locations where they aren’t causing disruptions. I am in favor of any reasonable solution that can pass the Senate and House and be signed by the governor.
“Continued inaction is not acceptable.”