Senate Co-Sponsorship Memoranda

 

In the near future, I will introduce legislation that will end the use of so called “skill games” in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. These “skill games” can be found in convenience stores, restaurants, malls, gas stations, and other places of business throughout the Commonwealth. Despite the illusion that the state has oversight over these machines, there is no consumer protection measures, prevention for minors, assistance for problem gamblers, or other regulations protecting Pennsylvanians from these predatory machines.  

 

In addition to preying on users of the machines, “skill games” also steal money that should be going to the Pennsylvania Lottery programs that support programs for our senior citizens. According to Pennsylvanian’s Against Gaming Expansion, “skill games” have diverted over $650 million that could have gone to programs that help some of our most vulnerable seniors, that equates to about $2,284 per machine, per month. 

 

My legislation will largely mirror language in SB 212 of the 2021-22 session. “Skill games” would be added to the list of illegal gambling devices in Title 18 while still allowing family entertainment centers, or arcades, to operate their games for children and families. Please join me in protecting Pennsylvanians from these predatory games by co-sponsoring this important legislation.