A Pennsylvania Gamblers Anonymous spokesperson said members frequently identify unregulated skill games as a contributor to gambling addiction. The report also cited Penn State researchers’ estimate that 11% of Pennsylvania adults had played a skill game.
The claims add to debate over consumer protections for skill-game machines in Pennsylvania.
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Reportedly, Pennsylvania lawmakers are considering HB 2801, which would prohibit sweepstakes casinos and regulate skill game machines. Representative Russ Diamond introduced the bill, which reached the House Gaming Oversight Committee on 24 September. The proposal also addresses gaming taxes and revenue distribution; no hearing or vote had been scheduled.
House Bill 2801, sponsored by Representative Russ Diamond, was sent to the House Gaming Oversight Committee on 24 September. The General Assembly's most recent recorded action shows the proposal still in committee, with neither a hearing nor a vote arranged. The measure would ban sweepstakes casinos and set up rules and taxes for skill game machines.
Pennsylvania Republican representative Russ Diamond said he is preparing legislation to permit skill-game machines at qualifying venues, ahead of a 13 October deadline set by the state Supreme Court. His proposal would allow up to five machines per venue, tax their revenue at 20% and reduce the tax rate on casino slots and online casino games to 49.9%.
Pennsylvania Representative Russ Diamond proposed legislation to regulate and tax skill games before a court-imposed deadline makes the machines illegal on 13 October. His proposal sets a 20% tax, allows up to five machines at specified venues and would reduce the tax rate on casino slots and online casino games to 49.9%.
Pennsylvania Republican Rep. Russ Diamond is preparing legislation to regulate skill game machines before the state Supreme Court’s 13 October deadline. His proposal would allow up to five machines at specified venues, tax skill game revenue at 20% and direct some gaming revenue to property tax relief and other programmes.
Pennsylvania representative Russ Diamond is preparing two bills to legalise and regulate skill games ahead of a 13 October deadline set by the state Supreme Court for legislative action. The proposals would tax skill games at 20% and permit up to five machines at specified licensed venues; Diamond also proposes changes to casino and online casino tax rates and property-tax relief.