In Philadelphia, the ongoing debate over skill games has taken a new turn as the City Council weighs in on a local bill that would sharply curtail their presence in most businesses. These gaming terminals, which are akin to slot machines, have become a common sight in an array of establishments—from eateries and taverns to grocery stores and bodegas across the city. However, the introduction of Bill No. 240010 could signal the end of their ubiquitous availability.
Under the stringent terms of the proposed law, the operation of skill games would become illegal unless they meet specified criteria. These games, resembling the widely recognized Pennsylvania Skill machines, would only be permissible if they are not cash-operated for the chance of cash rewards, or are properly regulated by the state.
The draft of Bill No. 240010 has garnered significant support, backed by a majority of the 17 City Council members. The push for regulation has prompted concerns about safety and order, with council members and the local police commissioner citing issues of loitering and crime around such establishments as driving factors behind the proposed crackdown.
Yet, in certain instances, establishments would be exempt from this ban. Licensed restaurants and bars with appropriate Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board or Pennsylvania Control Board approvals could maintain these machines provided they have a minimum seating requirement. Non-compliance would result in steep fines, emphasizing the Council’s commitment to regulate these games more tightly.
Despite the potential legislation, skill games remain a point of contention at the state level. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court is currently reviewing a lower court’s decision that deemed skill games distinct from casino slots, and thus not illegal. Even as this legal battle brews, the future of such games hangs in the balance, with the Philadelphia City Council drawing a line in the sand and Governor Shapiro considering their revenue in upcoming fiscal plans.
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