OP-ED: A responsible path forward for Pa. skill games
For small businesses, veterans organizations, volunteer fire companies, and social clubs across the Commonwealth, Oct. 13 is more than a date on the calendar — it is a deadline wrapped in uncertainty. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s ruling that skill‑game devices are gambling machines means these devices are illegal without legislative change. Beginning Oct. 14, the Shapiro Administration has advised businesses that the Pennsylvania State Police may seize machines, confiscate proceeds and equipment, and potentially pursue criminal charges.
Over the past several weeks, the state police have made something else abundantly clear: simply unplugging skill‑game devices will not protect businesses. The machines must be removed entirely from the premises. For thousands of social halls, bars, and nonprofit organizations, this has created a wave of confusion and growing alarm. Many relied on early guidance suggesting they could power down the machines while awaiting legislative action. Now, with the enforcement deadline just days away, they are being told that even a disconnected device could result in penalties. Small businesses — already struggling to keep their doors open — are terrified of making a good‑faith mistake that could lead to seizures or criminal charges.
Let me be clear about where I stand. I support responsible legislation allowing these games to continue as a meaningful source of revenue for the community organizations that strengthen our neighborhoods — our volunteer fire companies, VFW and American Legion posts, fraternal organizations, and mom-and-pop bars and taverns. For these organizations, this has never been about making anyone rich. It has always been about keeping their doors open, paying the bills, and sustaining the community anchors our neighbors rely on every day.
The Supreme Court’s ruling makes one thing undeniable: these devices must be regulated. And like many of you, I am deeply concerned about the impact of gambling on young people. Skill‑game machines have become far too widespread — appearing in places like laundromats, where kids and teenagers can easily encounter them. We should not allow these machines to become fixtures in every gas station, vape shop, or convenience store. That means establishing clear limits on where they can legally operate and holding businesses and operators accountable to protect children and vulnerable consumers.
We must also consider the impact that unregulated machines have on the Pennsylvania Lottery, which funds essential programs for older Pennsylvanians, including Meals on Wheels. Ignoring that reality is not an option. A responsible framework recognizes these as gambling machines and incorporates them into a legitimate, transparent system that generates dedicated revenue for the Commonwealth and local communities.
There is a reasonable path forward. We can implement safeguards that protect consumers and youth. And we can allow responsible businesses and community organizations to continue using them as a lifeline. While I cannot control how other lawmakers will respond, I stand ready to support a workable, responsible solution that protects communities while preserving an important revenue stream for the organizations that serve them.
Camera Bartolotta represents the 46th District in the Pennsylvania Senate.