‘Put it up for a vote’: As enforcement looms, supporters urge lawmakers to save skill games

In a week’s time, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s ruling on the legality of skill game machines will officially take effect, meaning businesses and clubs that continue to operate the machines could face repercussions. Ahead of the deadline, hundreds of skill game supporters gathered at the state Capitol to make one final plea to lawmakers: Regulate the machines and save a vital revenue source for local communities. 

Supporters at Tuesday’s rally included small business owners, veterans and members of volunteer fire companies, as well as state lawmakers. While many came from different backgrounds and different parts of the state, they all stressed that revenue from skill games has become a financial lifeline for their respective organizations. 

Vicki Heiser of the Deer Lake & West Brunswick Fire Company said money from skill game machines has helped fire companies afford equipment and keep the doors open. “Spaghetti suppers don’t cut it anymore,” she said. “There’s so much great equipment out there, but we just can’t afford it, and we’ll never be able to afford it if you take away our skill games.”

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled in June that skill games are illegal gambling machines subject to the state’s Gaming Act and Crimes Code, but gave lawmakers until Oct. 13 to determine whether to regulate the machines. After that, with no regulatory framework currently in place, businesses and locations that operate skill games will be subject to criminal prosecution and face having their machines seized by law enforcement, according to law enforcement officials. 

Members of veterans organizations also spoke of how skill games have helped nonprofits bring in additional funds. “These machines are what is the lifeblood of so many nonprofit organizations today,” said Rusty Miller, a member of Mechanicsburg VFW Post 6704.  

Opponents have suggested that skill games attract crime, and that the large amount of cash businesses keep on hand to pay out winnings has led to robberies and violence.

Still, the unregulated machines have become commonplace in bars, restaurants, social clubs, convenience stores, gas stations and other locations, and have found bipartisan support both in Harrisburg and across the state. 

Republicans and Democrats alike have introduced proposals to tax and regulate the games. Gov. Josh Shapiro also called on lawmakers to regulate the games in his most recent executive budget proposal, suggesting that they could generate anywhere from $300 million to $2 billion in annual revenue. 

The machines proliferated in part due to legal ambiguity and court rulings that determined winnings were based on an element of skill, not chance. However, the state Supreme Court unequivocally ruled in June that skill games are illegal slot machines. The court stayed its ruling for 120 days, protecting businesses and organizations from criminal penalties and giving lawmakers a window to pass legislation to tax and regulate the games.  

To date, lawmakers have failed to advance a regulatory framework for skill games, leaving supporters frustrated. “Our legislators need to get off their asses and vote for this. We need it settled,” Miller said at Tuesday’s rally. 

Republican state Rep. Doyle Heffley urged legislative leaders to hold a vote on skill games legislation prior to next week’s deadline. He said he will be introducing an amendment on the House floor that will delay enforcement for another six months. 

“The fix for this is so easy. One vote. Put it up for a vote. We’ve seen Democrats here. We’ve seen Republicans here. This is bipartisan. Just let it come up for a vote on the House floor,” Heffley said at the rally. “Let’s preserve these dollars for our communities. Let’s preserve these dollars for our small businesses. Let’s not take away this lifeline as we head into this winter and the holiday season.”

Both chambers of the General Assembly will be in session on Wednesday, Oct. 7 – the last scheduled session day ahead of the court’s deadline. Lawmakers in both chambers will return to Harrisburg on Oct. 19.