The Pennsylvania Supreme Court is ready to make a big decision about whether electronic gaming terminals, commonly found in bars and convenience stores, should be considered illegal gambling machines. 

Pennsylvania Lottery and Casino Industry Blames Skill Games for Revenue Losses

The decision comes after an appeal by the attorney general’s office challenged a lower court ruling that said these “skill games” depend on a player’s ability rather than chance — making them different from traditional slot machines.

For years, the state has argued that these games operate illegally without a gambling license and can be seized by law enforcement. Manufacturers, distributors and operators of the games say they are legal under state law and do not fall under the definition of regulated gambling. This ruling could provide clarity on how those machines should be treated under the law for the first time, said Jeffrey Rosenthal, an attorney representing Parx Casino in Philadelphia, reported the Associated Press.

Courts and lawmakers have wrestled with their status or years. Texas, Virginia and Kentucky have had similar fights over them. 

The Pennsylvania Lottery and the state’s casino industry blame skill games for major revenue losses. Casinos pay out roughly 54% of slot machine revenues in taxes to the state government. Operators say skill games compete against slots tax-free. There are at least 67,000 such terminals in Pennsylvania — more than any other state, according to American Gaming Association estimates.

Pennsylvania Supreme Court to Decide Fate of Skill Games

Attorney General Michelle Henry’s office emphasized in its brief to the court that these devices are all over the place and need clear legal guidance. The justices will study whether these electronic devices with supposed “skill” components are gambling devices by definition under the law. 

Commonwealth Court Judge Lori Dumas noted previously that though they start off looking like slot machines, they include a memory game element that makes them different.

The case started off in Dauphin County in 2019 when state police confiscated Pennsylvania Skill-branded machines from Champions Sports Bar in Highspire.

No criminal charges were filed, but the bar was given an administrative citation. Champions and Capital Vending Company, which owns the machines, sued for their return and won in county court, a decision later upheld by the Commonwealth Court.Pending legislation would ban or regulate these terminals — with the industry pushing for regulation to prevent seizures of its machines.

The post Pennsylvania Supreme Court Set to Decide Fate of Skill Games appeared first on Keno Wizard.

Nebraska lawmakers are pushing ahead with a bill aimed at tightening regulations on skill gaming machines present in various establishments statewide. The bill, LB685, spearheaded by State Sen. John Lowe of Kearney, has passed its initial stages with a resounding 31-0 vote in favor.

Proposed Laws Tackle Skill Games’ Growth with Taxes and Stricter Regulations

Skill games, often found in bars, restaurants, convenience stores, and other locales, have proliferated significantly over recent years. Unlike traditional slot machines, these games require a degree of skill to win, blurring the lines between entertainment and gambling. However, concerns have been raised about their addictive nature and potential societal impacts.

The proposed legislation seeks to address these concerns by implementing several key measures, reported WOWT. Firstly, it introduces a 5% tax on the net profits generated by these machines, alongside a $100 fee per machine paid by distributors. For larger distributors with 50 or more machines, this fee would increase to $5,000. 

The generated tax revenue would be allocated to various avenues, including property tax relief, funding for enforcement measures, and contributions to the state’s tourism initiatives.

Moreover, LB685 aims to establish stricter guidelines regarding the sale of co-branded alcoholic beverages, preventing their proximity to non-alcoholic counterparts. This measure aims to mitigate potential confusion among consumers and ensure compliance with age restrictions on alcohol sales.

Nebraska Legislative Debates Highlight Concerns Over Skill Games’ Resemblance to Slot Machines

During legislative debates, concerns were voiced regarding the distinction between games of skill and games of chance. Some senators argued that these skill games essentially function as modified slot machines, emphasizing luck over skill. 

Additionally, there were apprehensions about the proliferation of these machines, with worries that they could attract criminal activity and exacerbate societal issues.

However, proponents of the bill argue that tighter regulations are necessary to prevent the unchecked expansion of skill gaming establishments. 

Last year Nebraska faced a surge in skill games with over 4,700 units spread across retail venues, prompting lawmakers to reassess regulation and taxation. Concerns mounted over addiction risks and unlevel competition, leading to calls for increased oversight and enforcement, mirroring similar debates in other US states like Pennsylvania and Virginia.

By imposing taxes and enforcing revenue thresholds, the Alabama legislation aims to deter the creation of de facto casinos and promote responsible gaming practices.The bill’s advancement marks a significant step towards addressing the complexities surrounding skill gaming in Nebraska. As the debate continues, legislators are tasked with striking a balance between fostering economic opportunities and safeguarding the well-being of communities across the state.

The post Nebraska Legislators Move Forward with Bill to Regulate Skill Gaming appeared first on Keno Wizard.

For years, a battle has been raging over the legality of skill games in Pennsylvania. While supporters of such form of entertainment said that it provides a different experience than gambling and helps local businesses, opponents warned about the impact of skill games on the brick-and-mortar casino sector. Currently, skill games operate within a grey area across Pennsylvania, but that may soon change with the state’s newly proposed budget.

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro recently released his proposed budget for FY 2024/2025, which included estimates for proceeds from skill games tax. Per the proposed budget, the tax rate for such games would be 42% on gross gaming revenue. The Governor’s budget reveals that the regulation of skill games would be in the hands of the state’s gambling regulator, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB).

The collected tax on gross gaming revenue from such machines would be deposited into an administrative account. Subsequently, the collected taxes from skill games would be relocated to the state’s General Fund, under the proposed budget.

Assuming that the required legislation and rules would be in place with the budget’s effective date, July 1, 2024, an estimated $150.4 million in proceeds from skill games taxes are expected to be generated for FY 2024/2025. Gov. Shapiro’s proposed budget estimated the proceeds from skill games taxes to increase to $313.4 million for FY 2025/2026 and remain in a similar ballpark through FY 2028/2029.

“This budget proposes a tax to be levied on the daily gross gaming revenue from electronic gaming machines that involve an element of skill and are regulated by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board. Estimates assume an effective date of July 1, 2024. This budget deposits tax revenues into a restricted account for administration, transferring the balance to the General Fund,“

reads Gov. Josh Shapiro’s proposed FY 2024/2025 budget

A Major Milestone for Skill Games

Undoubtedly, including tax revenue from skill games within the proposed budget marks an important milestone after years of dispute over the legality of such games. Yet, it is important to mention that the proposed budget may undergo changes. Still, the Governor’s intention to include skill games in the budget marks a clear signal for lawmakers about the future of skill games in Pennsylvania.

The recent development follows a court decision from late last year. At the time, skill games were designated as not illegal, a move that paved the way for the regulation of such games. The judgment came from the Commonwealth Court, approving a lower court’s decision that recognized winnings from skill games as legal.

The post Skill Games Added to Proposed FY 2024 Budget in Pennsylvania appeared first on Keno Wizard.

In a determined effort to combat the recent ruling legalizing skill games in Pennsylvania, several casinos have appealed to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. 

Parx Casino and Others Lead Legal Battle Against Skill Games Ruling

Leading the charge, Parx Casino Bensalem and Shippensburg are among the establishments that have sought an appeal from the Supreme Court. 

Despite the Commonwealth Court’s decision, the battle appears far from its conclusion. The appeal filed by Parx Casino and others argues that skill games pose a significant threat to the licensed, regulated, and supervised casino industry in the state. 

The appeal contends that these games, exempt from gaming taxes and oversight, undermine the contributions of the casino industry, which employs thousands, supports tens of thousands of jobs, and generates substantial tax revenues for the state.

A majority of Pennsylvania casinos, including Mohegan Pennsylvania, Hollywood Casino, Penn National Race Course, and others, have joined the legal fray. 

The appeal to the Supreme Court emphasizes the potential repercussions of the Commonwealth Court’s decision, asserting that the ruling of the Commonwealth Court allows unlicensed, unregulated, and illegal slot machines to potentially dominate the gaming scene in Pennsylvania, contrary to the intentions of the General Assembly.

Pennsylvania Attorney General Joins Casinos in Legal Challenge Against Skill Games

The Pennsylvania Attorney General’s office, hinting at an appeal last month, has officially filed one this week, aligning itself with the casinos in challenging the legality of skill games. Both briefs argue that skill games should be treated as slot machines within the context of Pennsylvania’s legal framework.

The concerns highlighted in the briefs go beyond legal technicalities. They raise issues of social responsibility, noting that unregulated skill games lack the same restrictions and oversight as their regulated counterparts. 

Skill games in Pennsylvania have been a source of debate regarding regulation and taxation, gaining popularity and sparking controversy among businesses. The Commonwealth Court, which recognized the legality of wins from skill games, paved the way for potential regulation with its decision last month.

This week, Mike Barley, Chief of Public Relations at Pace-O-Matic, urged casino operators to reconsider their stance on skill games, emphasizing the need for regulation to benefit small businesses. The recent court victory has given hope to supporters of skill games, who anticipate effective regulation shortly. 

For example, Sen. Gene Yaw’s proposed bill, advocating for taxation and regulation, aims to generate an estimated $300 million for the state in its first year. 

However, casino operators remain opposed to such regulations, with Barley accusing them of hindering the process. Pace-O-Matic supports the regulation of skill games and calls for lawmakers to take necessary action.

The post Pennsylvania Casinos Continue Battle Over Skill Games Legality appeared first on Keno Wizard.

Businesses offering skill games in Pennsylvania secured a major win after a court decision last week. On Thursday, the Commonwealth Court in the state sided with a lower court’s decision that recognized winnings from skill games as legal, a report released by 8 WGAL reveals. Dauphin County’s court ruled 7-0 in favor of a previous ruling that acknowledged skill games are not slot machines. Moreover, the court’s decision recognized that skill games are not illegal gambling machines and cannot be seized by law enforcement, explaining that such games require hand and eye coordination rather than pure chance which is the case for slots.

The new decision represents a major win for businesses across Pennsylvania, including gas stations, bars and restaurants that currently offer skill games. Such games have proven to boost the revenues of businesses across the state while offering a new form of entertainment. Besides businesses, non-profit organizations can also continue to offer skill games, despite opposing parties claiming that such machines are similar to slots.

Mike Barley, the chief of public relations for Pace-O-Matic, a skill game manufacturer, revealed that the court’s latest decision reaffirms the legality of their product. He explained that this decision may pave the way for the taxation of such products. “We’re in a unique position where we have a legal product — the court has said so — and we’re saying, ‘Please come tax us. Please come regulate us.’ It’s not something you hear very often in Harrisburg, but we’re hoping to get some action,” he explained.

Opponents of Skill Games Disagree with the Court’s Decision

The latest court’s decision represents a signal for lawmakers to greenlight laws that regulate and tax skill gaming machines. Proposals filed in Pennsylvania called for a 16% tax on proceeds from skill gaming, a figure that is significantly lower when compared to the 54% tax casinos pay for their slots.

Despite the court’s decision, the future of skill games is not certain yet. This is because the state attorney general may consider appealing the Dauphin County court decision to the Supreme Court in Pennsylvania.

While the recent court decision brought excitement for businesses and skill games manufacturers, not everyone agreed with it. Pete Shelly, a spokesperson for a group against the expansion of skill games created by casino operators called Pennsylvanians Against Gaming Expansion, warned about the dangers of the expansion of skill games. He said that if lawmakers do not take action considering the new court’s decision, the state may be flooded with tens of thousands of skill games.

The post Court Decision in Pennsylvania Deems Skill Games Not Illegal appeared first on Keno Wizard.

A Pennsylvanian man has ripped off a store by redeeming fake skill gaming vouchers at a convenience store. The local police are now searching for the culprit, hoping to bring him to justice.

According to the Pennsylvanian authorities, the man in question entered the Dillsburg Tobacco Outlet at 1 US Route 15 on October 7 at around 9 pm. He presented eight $500 skill gaming vouchers to the cashier, claiming to have won them on a skill gaming terminal.

The cashier didn’t realize that the vouchers were fake at first and, after inspecting them for a short while, gave the man the $4,000 he had allegedly won.

The route distributor of the skill games later inspected the tickets only to realize the forgery attempt.

After inspecting the security cam footage, the local police realized that the fraud was wearing a wig with long dark hair and fingerless white gloves. The man also kept the hood of their black hoodie on in a further attempt to conceal their identity.

The Carroll Township Police Department published a photo of the individual and asked anyone who may be able to identify the thief to contact the department.

Skill Games Remain a Controversial Topic

In the meantime, Pennsylvania continues to discuss the controversial skill gaming machines. Skill games are much similar to slots but allow players to define the winning paylines, which is considered an element of chance.

Skill games currently sit in Pennsylvania’s legal gray sector and are one of the most discussed topics in the state’s gambling industry. Last week, lawmakers discussed the machines, which have now become ubiquitous.

The casino industry has slammed skill games as illegal gambling that steals money from the licensed gaming sector. In addition, industry representatives have argued that skill gaming machines do not offer the same player protections that legal gambling does.

However, the machines are supporting many small businesses across Pennsylvania and have strong support from local audiences.

In May, the Senate tried to introduce a 16% state tax on skill games and limit the number of skill gaming terminals businesses are allowed to have. However, these measures did not sit well with representatives of Pennsylvania’s gambling industry.

The future of the vertical remains uncertain but many agree that the machines should either be prohibited or properly regulated.

The post PA Thief Used Fake Skill Gaming Vouchers to Redeem $4,000 appeared first on Keno Wizard.

A heated debate unfolded in front of the Pennsylvania Senate Community, Economic, and Recreational Development Committee last week as lawmakers, casino industry representatives, and skill game advocates clashed over the potential regulation of so-called “skill games.” The controversial terminals, resembling slot machines but requiring player skill, have flooded bars, clubs, gas stations, and convenience stores across the state.

Proposed Bill Sparks Debate Over Pennsylvania Skill Games Regulation

Skill games, often branded as “Pennsylvania Skill,” have become lifelines for small businesses, especially during the pandemic, according to proponents like Pace-O-Matic (POM), the Georgia-based gaming developer behind these terminals. However, the state’s commercial gaming industry claims these unregulated machines are cleverly designed slot machines, bypassing state gaming laws and stealing patrons from casinos.

In May, Senate Bill 706 was introduced, aiming to regulate and tax skill games. The bill, coauthored by a bipartisan group of lawmakers, proposes limiting the number of skill games in businesses and imposing a 16% state tax on their earnings. During the meeting with the Pennsylvania Senate Community, Economic, and Recreational Development Committee casino representatives argued that this bill falls short of protecting consumers and the state’s regulated gambling industry, which contributes significantly to the state’s revenue.

Pennsylvania Skill Games Pit Businesses Against State’s Regulated Casinos

Eric Schippers, Senior Vice President of Penn Entertainment, expressed concerns before the Senate committee, emphasizing that the proliferation of skill games jeopardizes the state’s gaming tax benefits, capital investments, jobs, and economic development. He pointed out that these unregulated games poach players from casinos since they are more accessible and often located closer to home.

Representatives from Parx Casino and Live! Casino echoed these concerns, emphasizing the lack of consumer safeguards in skill gaming machines. Unlike regulated casino slots, these games are not monitored for fair play or mandated to adhere to a minimum payout rate. Skill games also lack stringent age verification measures, raising concerns about underage gambling.

Skill game proponents, represented by Michael Barley, chief public affairs officer for POM, argued for the industry’s monitoring and taxation. Barley suggested that the decline in casino slot play might be attributed to the state’s 2017 legalization of online gambling rather than skill games.

Paul Goldean, CEO of POM, highlighted the significant benefits skill games provide to small businesses and nonprofits. The Senate committee did not reach a decision on SB 706, indicating that further deliberations will be necessary. The future of skill games in Pennsylvania remains uncertain, with ongoing legal battles and legislative debates shaping the landscape of the state’s gambling industry.

The post Pennsylvania Debates Future of Skill Games Amidst Corporate Clash appeared first on Keno Wizard.

For nearly a decade now, judge after judge has ruled that Pennsylvania skill games known by the Pace-O-Matic name are legal in the commonwealth. yet prosecutors and agents of the Pennsylvania Bureau of Liquor Control and Enforcement (BLCE) seem hell-bent on finding a jurist who will take their side in the matter of “Chance v. Skill” and stand behind the authorities when they raid a local gathering place and seize the machines and any cash or collateral equipment associated with them.

So far, Pace-O-Matic’s Skill Games have been found to be legal in the state by rulings in the following courts: Beaver, Dauphin, Monroe, and York counties. Clearfield County and Delaware County reviewed the law itself and case law as created by those decisions and returned seized games without the need to go to trial and determine the facts for themselves.

Games Deemed Legal Since 2014

The Beaver County Court of Common Pleas ruling that Pace-O-Matic’s Pennsylvania Skill games are legal and games of predominant skill have stood since 2014 (ruling .PDF)

Once again a judge has ruled in favor of game providers. This time in Monroe County where the DA’s office and the BLCE carried out a raid on a small business there in 2022 and held the devices in a secure location until the gambit played out in court – again. Judge Mark said in his recent ruling that the gaming “devices are games of skill and not games of chance.”

In the same county earlier this year, prosecutors caught an earful from Monroe County Common Pleas Judge Jennifer Harlacher Sibum who scolded them for not only prosecuting non-criminal behavior but for misconduct in the investigation and prosecutions themselves. In fact, she used the withholding of crucial evidence and misrepresentation of evidence by the prosecution side of the equation as reason to suppress the actual evidence from a court hearing as the case was dismissed.

“The court finds that the Commonwealth improperly withheld and misrepresented material evidence relative to the issuance of the search warrant in this matter and that such conduct warrants the suppression of the seized property,” wrote Judge Sibum in her order dismissing the charges and ordering the return of the machines, cash, and other instruments to the rightful owners.

According to a report on G3 Newswire, Wednesday judges in York County and Dauphin County have ruled against prosecutors and the BLCE in other cases this year as well.

Pace-O-Matic got its machines, cash, and related equipment back from prosecutors in York County after it was improperly seized by the Bureau earlier in 2023. In Dauphin County, the “L” was chalked up to prosecutors there, and the “W” for POM.

In that case, Dauphin County Common Pleas Judge Andrew H. Dowling wrote, “Initially, it is this Court’s belief that the Commonwealth’s investigation shows case bias. The Commonwealth is seeking to make all machines like the POM Machines into illegal gambling devices, and their whole approach and intent is to shut down games regardless of the actual gameplay… Thus, the Commonwealth as a whole is biased against the games, and their approach lacks case credibility.”

Pace-O-Matic lawyer, Matthew Haverstick of Kleinbard, LLC, stated: “Pace-O-Matic’s Pennsylvania Skill games are legal. The Commonwealth has wrongfully seized its equipment for years with no credible evidence that the games are illegal. Judges are now carefully looking at the evidence and ruling in our favor.”

Mike Barley, Chief Public Affairs Officer for the company added, “Again, another Pennsylvania court has found that Pennsylvania Skill games, powered by Pace-O-Matic, are legal games of predominant skill. With the legality of our games upheld repeatedly, we are eager to work with the Legislature to pass legislation that will fairly regulate and tax the skill game industry. In fact, Pace-O-Matic stands out among our competitors as the active driving force seeking additional regulation and taxation.”

Pennsylvania Skill games are manufactured in the commonwealth and 90% of the profit generated from them reportedly stays inside the state. Earlier reports claim to show that “real casino” businesses are not cannibalized by play on the devices as those seeking to spend a few dollars for entertainment with potential prizes on the games visit a neighborhood mom-and-pop grocer or other stores, another nearby small business, a favorite fraternal or social club, the local volunteer fire company or a veterans’ organization without the need to plan travel, overnight accommodations, or even to plan any form of major budget expenditures.

The Same or Similar Games have been Banned by Law in Kentucky Since March 2023

The games do not enjoy the same standing in Kentucky where they were recently codified into law as unregulated and illegal.

Pennsylvania casino and lottery revenues have continued to grow year in and year out as the skill games find their way into more and more locations giving at least anecdotal evidence to advocate’s claims that it is a totally different clientele than would be found looking for flashing lights, bells and whistles, and big jackpots.

Sen. Gene Yaw who serves as Vice Chair on the Judiciary Committee in Harrisburg has introduced legislation that would tax the machines and reportedly provide some $300m a year in revenue to the commonwealth while regulating the games as well.

As part of most press releases from the company, POM often mentions that it “employs a team of former state police officers to enforce all terms of contracts and codes of conduct. These contracted terms limit the number of machines, where they are placed in a location and have protections in place to prevent anyone underage from playing the devices.”

Source:Judge rules that Pennsylvania Skill games are ‘devices of skill’, G3Newswire, June 7, 2023

The post Nearly a decade of rulings in multiple counties have shown skill games (“slots”) are legal in PA appeared first on Keno Wizard.

A new legislation will seek to establish a regulatory framework for skill video games in Pennsylvania and create a taxing structure that could generate an estimated $300 million in tax revenue annually.

The new initiative comes from Sen. Gene Yaw who circulated a memo to Senate members telling them about his plans to introduce regulation and taxation on skill video games in the Commonwealth and asking other Senators to join him and co-sponsor the upcoming bill.

Pennsylvania’s skill game terminals are manufactured right here in Lycoming County and the finished products exist in fraternal clubs, veterans’ organizations and taverns, as well as other local businesses throughout the Commonwealth.

Sen. Yaw statement

Due to their element of “skill,” skill video games remain outside of the scope of the Pennsylvania Gaming Act which regulates legal gaming machines. The machines also remain untaxed while their number across small businesses such as bars, restaurants, convenience stores, clubs, and others in the state continues to grow.

In the memo, Sen. Yaw told his colleagues that skill video games have the potential to create significant benefits to the state such as additional tax revenue and new jobs if subjected to operating in a regulated environment.

Tackle Illegal Gambling, Support Small Businesses

Moreover, the new bill will serve multiple purposes as it will not only generate extra funds for the state but will help authorities get rid of illegal gambling and provide support to small businesses by giving them access to an additional revenue stream.

“Skill games are a piece of the small business economy in our state, and it’s time we recognize the benefits of this emerging industry and offer regulatory support so that we can ensure it flourishes – safely and responsibly,” Sen. Yaw added.

He added that an industry such as video game manufacturing that has created hundreds of manufacturing jobs in and around the district he represents. Yaw added that one of the largest skill game manufacturers is located there, has been sourcing nearly all of the components in the US, and is currently redirecting new projects from China to Williamsport.

Under his proposal, all skill video games in Pennsylvania will be connected to a terminal collection and control system monitored by the Commonwealth so that every transaction is registered and due taxes are accrued and timely paid.

According to experts, if passed the proposal is expected to generate approximately $300 million in annual tax revenue for the state. Sen. Yaw additionally believes that it will also result in creating new family-sustaining jobs.

The post PA Legislator to Propose Regulation of Skill Video Games appeared first on Keno Wizard.

After legal victories in Pennsylvania where slot-like skill games have been deemed legal by judges while law enforcement officials have been criticized for seizing them and the cash they contain without cause, the same types of games are still under fire in the state of Kentucky.

After failing to pass legislation that would have outlawed the games a year ago, another bill intent on defining them as gambling devices was tabled by the House of Representatives on Friday but returned to the floor Wednesday, picking up momentum to pass on a vote of 64-32.

House Speaker David Osborne made a motion Wednesday to resume discussion on House Bill 594 after rumors of its demise were celebrated by proponents of the so-called gray machines over the weekend.

Skill Games are Currently Legal

Kentucky law does not directly address the games which rely on elements of player skill to award prizes, placing them in a gray area of gambling unless the bill makes it to the governor’s desk and receives his signature or a veto is overridden. The bill went to the Senate for deliberation as this year’s legislative session is about to come to an end.

Most of the “work” on passing the bill appears to have occurred behind the scenes as there was very little discussion on the House floor before lawmakers voted 2:1 to outlaw the machines which are found in hundreds of locations across the state,

Speaker Osborne said in a statement after the bill passed the House: “Today’s House vote sends a clear message that there is no place for gambling entities that skirt the law in order to flood Kentucky with unregulated casino-style gaming without limit or oversight,” according to local reports.

Representatives of the Kentucky Merchants and Amusement Coalition, which is one of the entities that lobbied to keep the bill from becoming law expressed their disappointment in the action and called the development “unfortunate” after “so many Kentucky small business owners contacted their legislators about the benefits of skill games.”

The group’s president, Wes Jackson said in a statement: “We are hopeful that our supporters in the Senate will put this dangerous ban bill to rest, putting the needs of actual Kentuckians, not the profits of big business, first.”

Lottery Official Fear Reduced Sales

One of the most powerful opponents of the machines is the Kentucky State Lottery, which claims that the skill games hurt its sales. The lottery, launched in 1989, claims it has contributed over $4.4 Billion to education in Kentucky.

Louisville’s WDRB reports that 27 cents of every dollar gambled on the lottery goes to the commonwealth for college scholarships and grant programs, six cents is shared with retailers, six cents is spent on “administrative costs”, and 61 cents is paid back to winners. It’s unclear if the sale of infrastructure such as bridges helps the Kentucky Lottery Corporation make ends meet.

Proponents of the machines have argued for regulation of the machines that are deployed in multiple states and Mike Barley, chief public affairs officer for skill gaming machines developer Pace-O-Matic stated last week: “Our legal skill games serve as an important lifeline to small businesses with fraternal clubs. They provide consistent, reliable, and supplemental revenue for these establishments at a time they need it most.”

Lottery officials maintain there are over 1,500 of the machines in locations where the Kentucky Lottery sells its products.

It’s unclear whether lottery sales have surged along with other forms of gambling in Kentucky as is the case in most states as the economy has roared back to life after a pause for the pandemic. Other states with commercial gambling as well as skill game machines scattered throughout their landscapes, such as Pennsylvania have seen record gambling revenues. Even Nevada has posted record revenue for January after a record-breaking year as private enterprise works hard to feed the appetite of a populace with rapidly evolving views on gambling.

A spokesman for Kentuckians Against Illegal Gambling said in a statement: “Passing HB594 is the only certain and viable option to prevent every restaurant, gas station, and convenience store in the commonwealth from becoming a mini-casino.”

Osborne’s party has a supermajority in both houses of congress so even a veto by Kentucky’s Democratic governor is unlikely to be of much help to proponents of the machines.

Source: Proposal to ban slot-like machines clears Kentucky House, AP News, March 8, 2023

The post Kentucky lawmakers have passed a bill outlawing skill games appeared first on Keno Wizard.