Pace-O-Matic is the Georgia-based manufacturer of “Pennsylvania Skill”, unregulated, untaxed machines that look like slot-like games and are spreading across the state. The company cites record-breaking casino revenue as proof the skill-based games do not compete with slots.
Mike Barley, a spokesman for Pace-O-Matic in a recent press release noted that the May record gross gaming revenues of $521m are proof of two different types of games flourishing. He said the total from 17 Pennsylvania licensed casinos dispels any notion of unfair competition by unlicensed gaming machines.
Barley stated that “These figures show there’s room for success in both the casinos and small business that offer skill games,” Barley added. There is no rivalry between them.”
Pace-O-Matic is lobbying Pennsylvania legislators to pass a bill that will legalize, tax and regulate skill games. The state law enforcement agencies, casino lobbyists and gaming equipment manufacturers, including the American Gaming Association, view them as illegal slots.
Casino.org reported that Parx’s representatives, which is the top casino in Pennsylvania, have delayed building a hotel worth $100 million. Parx awaits the outcome of the state Supreme Court’s case and the fateful legislation.
Casino operators ‘greedy?’
In a press release Barley noted that small businesses and charities rely heavily on skill games to generate revenue. He said that $521 million a month was not enough money to appease the casino industry’s greed. Instead, they are trying to destroy small businesses, American Legions Volunteer Fire Companies, Moose Lodges, and other organizations that rely on the income generated by skill games.
According to the operator and attorney general of state, these games can be found in convenience stores, pizza parlors and other places that are child-friendly.
Casino operators are asking that the bill be amended so as to include the same requirements for slot machine licences. Bill is still in committee. The bill is in committee.
In the case that is before the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, there’s an appeal from a ruling by Dauphin County judge Andrew Dowling. The court ruled that a machine’s element of luck is not enough to make it a gambling apparatus. The State Attorney General is asking that the High Court classify skills games as gambling devices.
