As court deadline approaches, organizations urge Pa. lawmakers to pass skill game regulations

Harrisburg, Pa. — The Pa. Taverns and Players Association (PA TAP) is among several organizations urging action by the Pa. General Assembly to pass reasonable skill game legislation.

The Pa. Supreme Court declared on June 15, 2026 that skill games are legally classified as slot machines. The Court also gave a 120-day deadline (Oct. 13, 2026) for businesses to either remove the machines, which are now considered illegal, or for the Pa. General Assembly to update the Gaming Act and Crimes Code to carve out exceptions for skill games.

PA TAP warns the General Assembly and the public that thousands of Pa. organizations and small businesses rely on revenue from these gaming machines. Supporters are asking legislators to approve regulations for Pa. skill games and establish a $500 monthly fee per terminal. This proposal, supporters say, would preserve a vital source of funding for veterans’ organizations, volunteer fire companies, fraternal clubs, and small/family businesses while generating approximately $300 million per year in revenue.

“Aug. 14 marks the halfway point between the Pennsylvania Supreme Court's decision and the October deadline set to pass legislation for skill games," said Doug Sprankle, president of PA TAP. "Every day that passes without legislative action creates more uncertainty for the thousands of businesses and organizations that rely on this revenue to keep their doors open and continue serving their communities."

Revenue from skill games is used to pay everyday operating expenses, retain employees, support charitable causes, and provide community services for many of the organizations that have come to rely on them. Losing that revenue source would reduce donations, community programming, job availability, or cause permanent closures.

Moose Lodge 214 in Jersey Shore, Lycoming County, says it simply could not survive without the revenue: "Should the revenue from skill games no longer be available to our organization, I would expect our organization to be out of business within six to 12 months because of salary, utility bills, product costs, repairs, and insurance costs," said Rich Dvorscak, administrator of the Moose Lodge.

At Haggerty’s Bar & Diner in Erie, the impact would extend beyond the business owner to employees. "These skill games have been a godsend to my tavern,” said Meghann Legler, owner of the establishment. “Eliminating them would not only affect my profits, but would also reduce tips for my staff because customers tip on their winnings. Bartenders would lose nearly 50 percent of their tip income."

Nase Kraft American Legion Post 255 in Sellersville, Bucks County, credits skill games with keeping its doors open. "Thank God for the skill machines,” said a member of the post who remained anonymous. “They have kept our veterans club operating. They are our lifeline. If the state removes the machines, we will no longer be able to operate and provide support for veterans. We can no longer survive on bar sales alone because of today's regulations. I would rather pay a fair tax to the state than lose them entirely. Please let us keep the skill machines. Many clubs will close, and many employees will be laid off."

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A skill game ban would also impact the businesses that service and maintain the machines. Tim Rulon, owner of Rulon Amusement Company, said his family's third-generation business was on the verge of collapse before adding Pa. skill games in 2016.

"Our company had only $900 left in its checking account," Rulon said. "Employees had been laid off, debts were mounting, and it looked like three generations of hard work were about to disappear."

The business then added Pa. skill games to its repertoire.

"That decision saved our business," Rulon recalled. "Within six months we had stabilized the company. Today we provide retirement benefits and health insurance to our employees — something that never would have been possible without these games. Our workforce has increased by 400%. The establishments where our machines are located have seen increased customer traffic and additional revenue. These games didn't make us wealthy. They gave us stability. They preserved jobs. They kept a small Pennsylvania family business alive."

PA TAP asserts that the debate over skill games is about protecting community institutions that serve Pennsylvanians daily.

"These organizations are more than businesses or clubs," PA TAP’s Sprankle said. "They are veterans helping veterans, fraternal organizations supporting local charities, small businesses employing local residents, and gathering places that strengthen communities. Without fair and reasonable legislation, many of these organizations will be forced to make painful decisions that will affect the people who depend on them."

PA TAP is urging the General Assembly to pass Senate Bill 1079, sponsored by Sens. Gene Yaw and Anthony Williams, and House Bill 2046, sponsored by Reps. Danilo Burgos and Jonathan Fritz. Both bills have been stalled in committees since November of 2025. The organization finds the regulatory frameworks described in these bills to be fair and the $500 monthly tax per terminal to be reasonable.

"The solution is before the General Assembly," Sprankle said. "Now is the time to provide certainty for the organizations, employees, and communities that rely on Pennsylvania Skill games every day.”