Pennsylvania group urges lawmakers to regulate skill games
PA TAP is calling on Pennsylvania lawmakers to approve skill game legislation before an October 13 deadline that could make the machines illegal.
US.- The Pennsylvania Taverns and Players Association (PA TAP) has urged the General Assembly to pass legislation regulating skill games ahead of an October 13 court deadline under which they are set to become illegal. The organisation argues that the machines provide an important source of revenue for veterans’ groups, volunteer fire companies, fraternal organisations and small businesses across the state.
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled earlier this summer that skill game machines constitute gambling and fall under state regulations. The court subsequently set October 13 as the deadline for the machines to become illegal, potentially ending a 12-year period during which skill games expanded across Pennsylvania without a dedicated regulatory framework.
PA TAP is backing legislation that would establish rules for the machines and impose a $500 monthly fee per terminal. The association said the measure could preserve an important source of funding for community organisations while generating approximately $300m in annual state revenue.
The association warned that losing skill game revenue could force organisations to reduce donations and community programmes, cut jobs or close permanently.
