PITTSBURG —
A statewide ban on skill games in stores, restaurants and other businesses took effect overnight in Pennsylvania, following a state Supreme Court ruling that deemed such games illegal outside of casinos.
The June ruling classified skill games as slot machines, requiring them to follow state gambling guidelines.
The court granted a 120-day grace period to give lawmakers time to regulate gaming, but the General Assembly failed to reach an agreement.
According to the State Police, enforcement measures include the seizure and confiscation of machinery and associated equipment, confiscation of proceeds from their operation, and the filing of criminal complaints when deemed appropriate.
The effect in western Pennsylvania
Businesses in western Pennsylvania are expecting consequences ranging from business closures to unemployment to mortgage bankruptcies.
Many owners who spoke with Pittsburgh’s Action News 4 are now unsure how they will replace the revenue that helped sustain their operations.
“It’s a good support system that helps us do things to not only keep this club going, but to help with the social hall, the fire department, and it covers utilities for the entire building,” said Michael Saunders, president of the Bovard Fire Station.
Other businesses said they may have to raise prices and rental fees to make up for the loss, calling the ban harmful to the state of Pennsylvania.
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