Gaming parlor opens in Cumberland County with casino-like skill machines that can pay cash

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A central Pennsylvania business is bringing casino-style skill games out of backroom bars.

Keystone Klub Gaming Parlor at 5001 Carlisle Pike in Hampden Township opened in November at the former Bamboo Frozen Yogurt Cafe and specializes exclusively in skill games for money. The business is highlighting the electronic games, which are common at convenience stores, bars, truck stops and private clubs, in a more intimate setting.

“It’s not the same as sitting in the back of a gas station or a corner bar,” said Nadine Riess, one of Keystone’s partners.

Natural light floods into Keystone’s spacious game room, where players 18 years and older can can spend as little as a $1 to play on any of 20 machines, each equipped with multiple games. Cash payouts are instantly awarded on site. Keystone also offers complimentary snacks and drinks.

David and Kim Eilers brought the concept from North Carolina, where they operated several of the gaming arcades. Earlier this year, North Carolina Supreme Court ruled the electronic gaming machines are illegal in that state even if they require some ‘skill or dexterity’ input from the player.

The couple took a gamble and uprooted their family to Pennsylvania. They have plans to open additional locations, including one at 4201 Linglestown Road in Lower Paxton Township by late January.

“We liked the gaming idea and we wanted to go somewhere where it’s more legal,” David Eilers said.

In Pennsylvania, skills games fall under a gray area of the law and are not classified as gambling. While they look like casino games, they are not regulated under the state’s gaming law or subject to the same high taxes.

Pennsylvania State Police, commercial casino operators and Pennsylvania Lottery officials have challenged the skill games in recent years, arguing they are gaming devices operating outside of state-licensed casinos, and avoiding both consumer protection regulations and state taxes.

Legislators have been unable to come to a compromise on the games. A case is now before Pennsylvania’s Commonwealth Court to determine whether skill games are legal.

The games’ makers say the games do no rely on chance like casino games. Rather, they require a level of human skill or ability that some people can actually develop through practice for players to win and earn a payout.

“They are not designed to take your money immediately like a lot of those casino games are,” Riess said. “You can actually sit down and play with as little as a dollar and get some play out of that.”

David Eilers added that Keystone’s games are designed and built by the same manufacturer that provides games to casinos, but made with more advanced graphics and longer play time. Keystone’s owners said they recognize state regulations addressing skill games are likely to change.

“That’s going to happen. When they do decide to tax these, we’re on board. It’s like a regular business, so we pay our taxes like everyone else,” Riess said.

Because the concept of a skill game parlor is so new, Keystone hosts free slot tournaments to help acquaint players to the games. Prizes start at $300 for first place followed $200 for second and $100 for third. (The next tournament is scheduled 8 p.m. Dec. 23.) Keystone also offers memberships with perks such as tournament play.

Players also can spin a sweepstakes wheel for prizes. The game room is available for private parties and events. Riess stressed players will be drawn to the friendly, laid-back environment with customer service.

“We’re not trying to bring Vegas to the area,” she said. “We want to blend into the area like everything else.”

Keystone is open noon-midnight, daily.