Pennsylvania lawmakers are running out of time to extend an October 13 deadline to allow businesses and nonprofits to continue operating skill games.
The state Supreme Court has ruled they are slot machines and the legislature was given 120 days to come up with legislation to regulate and tax skill games.
On the Big K Morning Show, Allegheny County Senator Jay Costa said he doesn't think there's much chance the deadline will be extended:
“There’s been little or no conversation among the four caucuses to try to do something in this space, we have been hopeful that we can get something done,” said Senator Costa.
Pennsylvania State Police say as of October 14, skill games not removed from businesses and social clubs could be seized and criminal charges are possible.
“Only licensed casinos and qualifying licensed ‘truck stop establishments’ may legally possess, operate, and maintain slot machines or video gaming terminals that have been inspected and approved for operation by the PGCB,” State Police said in a release.
Many social halls like VFW locations across the state say they can’t survive without the skill games.
Several PA State Lawmakers withdrew a request for a delay in skill game enforcement on Wednesday. No reason for the withdrawal was given.
The state Senate passed a pair of bills to give nonprofits a boost from small games of chance.
The bills will increase the amount of money groups like service clubs and volunteer fire departments can collect and pay out from small games of chance like raffles, pull-tab games and 50/50 drawings.
The vote to pass both bills was a unanimous 49-0.
Senate Bill 995 would raise the weekly maximum payout of small game prizes from 35,000 to $60,000.
Senate Bill 465 allows organizations to keep 50 percent of small games proceeds, up from 40 percent.
Both bills were sent to a House committee.
