Pennsylvania skill games worry officials

Lottery officials in Pennsylvania are targeting skill games in the illegal market as they cost an estimated US$138 million in sales last year.

US.- Pennsylvania Lottery officials have voiced their concerns about skill games on the black market. According to the authorities, they cost US$138 million in sales last year, which is why they want to bring them down.

Lottery officials, alongside state Senator Tommy Tomlinson, the Pennsylvania State Police and senior groups announced legislation to combat the segment. The lawmaker will introduce Senate Bill 710 to address the illegal machines and protect funding for senior programs.

“These illegal machines are creating a huge risk for the older Pennsylvanians who rely upon the programs the Lottery funds,” said Pennsylvania Lottery Executive Director Drew Svitko. “The Games of Skill machines are appearing across the state and we are deeply concerned the harm will only increase. Senator Tomlinson’s legislation will crack down on the machines and preserve hundreds of millions of dollars that help seniors afford prescriptions, transportation, meals and more.”

There are about 5k games of skill machines in Pennsylvania, placed in lottery retailers.

“I drafted this legislation after learning the impact these machines have on the Pennsylvania Lottery,” Senator Tomlinson said. “I am concerned about the negative effect these unregulated, unlicensed, untaxed gambling machines have on unsuspecting players, youth and Lottery funds which support essential services for our senior citizens.”

“These machines have the potential to cost the Lottery hundreds of millions of dollars in future harm,” said Svitko, the Lottery’s executive director. “It’s imperative that we take action now to protect the funding that supports the programs that older Pennsylvanians rely upon each year.”