Philadelphia businesses score big win in skill games row

Philadelphia businesses will now be able to offer skill games freely on their premises thanks to a crucial court ruling. At the end of last week, a judge sitting at the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania rescinded a ban on skill-based games which was a city rule.

The Debate Over Skill Games

Skill games bear many resemblances to slot machines, and they have been a subject of contention for casino owners.

• They are untaxed and unregulated.

• They don’t include responsible gambling measures for players.

• They are viewed as unfair competition by casinos.

But Pace-O-Matic (POM), who are renowned skill games developers and distributors, have been in the courts trying to overturn state bans.

The Philadelphia Ban and Its Reversal

Previously, a ban on skill games was passed in March by the Philadelphia City Council, and in some quarters, that proved to be a very unpopular decision.

Among the opponents of the ban were:

• Skill games distributor G&B Amusements.

• Gas station owner Harry Sandhu, who operates the games.

• Other small business owners relying on supplemental income.

And now skill game operators have got their way.

Reaction From Stakeholders

POM hailed the decision, claiming the win was a “victory for small business owners.”

In a statement, POM spokesman Mike Barley said:
“Pace-O-Matic is pleased, and not surprised that the Commonwealth Court agrees the ban passed by Philadelphia City Council is unlawful. Lifting it is a victory for Philadelphia small businesses that count on the supplemental income they receive when patrons play for the Pennsylvania Skill Games they operate in their establishments. This ban did nothing more than harm businesses that are already struggling because of the economy.”

Originally, a similar ban had been passed in the Philadelphia suburb of Bensalem. But now it is thought that the ban has been put on hold pending the outcome of other appeals.

The row over skill games has been long-standing in the industry, with The American Gaming Association (AGA) supporting a ban.

What Comes Next?

While it seems like things have died down for now, this story is likely to rumble on for months and years.

Key questions remain:

• Will Pennsylvania introduce taxation and regulation for skill games?

• How will casinos continue to react to their growing presence?

• Could federal or wider state action bring uniform rules?

Conclusion

The latest ruling represents a major win for Philadelphia’s small business owners, but the future of skill games remains uncertain. With regulators, casinos, and operators still at odds, the battle over skill-based gaming in Pennsylvania is far from over.