Skill Games Issue Keeps Vexing Lawmakers, Law Enforcement, Casinos
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Neither the law nor the consensus among lawmakers is expected to take action on skill games legislation this year. The two-year legislative session carries over into 2022. The legislation would legalize and tax the controversial games. It would also allow gambling machines in bars, private clubs and fraternal organizations and would tax their revenue at 16%.
Case pending with Commonwealth Court could settle the issue of skill games. The board has no authority over them, but it is interested in protecting the casino industry and the state's slot machines. Several casinos have been before the gaming board in recent months to reduce their number of slot machine. The casino representatives have outlined numbers showing they could generate similar revenue with fewer machines and reduce overhead costs. They also want to create more comfortable spacing on their gaming floors. A judge ruled that the element of skills involved in skill game machines is not a binding opinion statewide.
The issue of illegal gambling devices is a tough one for law enforcement authorities. Clearfield County authorities confiscated skill games, ticket redemption terminals and related cash at eight establishments in the county. Pace-O-Matic challenged the confiscations in county court. The district attorney agreed to return the cash and machines and abandon any plans to prosecute the establishments.
