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%.
Operators and venues face a proposed regulatory framework and tax rates ahead of the 13 October deadline.
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Pennsylvania lawmakers and industry groups sought to extend a court pause due to expire on 13 October. Their petitions seek more time before authorities can seize skill game machines. Governor Josh Shapiro supports a 52% tax, while state Treasurer Stacy Garrity proposes a $500 monthly charge for each machine.
Pennsylvania lawmakers and industry groups have asked the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to extend a pause that was due to expire on 13 October, according to a report. The petitions seek more time before authorities can seize skill game machines. The court imposed a 120-day pause after ruling on 15 June that skill games fall under the state's Gaming Act and Crimes Code, meaning operators must be licensed by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.
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 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.
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled that skill-game machines meet the state’s legal definition of slot machines. The decision is subject to a 120-day stay, allowing lawmakers time to consider legislation to regulate and tax the machines; Pace-O-Matic criticised the ruling and warned of effects on more than 10,000 small businesses and non-profit organisations.
Pennsylvania Representative Joe Webster said he is introducing legislation to require licensed online gaming companies to provide users with monthly activity statements. Webster cited a 300% rise in contacts to the state problem gambling hotline from 2021 to 2024, with 37% linked to online wagering.