The surprising decision might open the path for the legalization of skill games.
Legislators around the United States have taken an interest in skill-based games, which provide entertainment comparable to classic slot games but need an element of ability to earn cash rewards. Earlier this year, the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, imposed a ban on popular skill games.
Councilmember Curtis Jones Jr. backed the measure, and Mayor Cherelle L. Parker successfully signed it into law in April. However, the ban on skill games was challenged by creators and businesses that benefitted from them.
The Skill Games Ban in Philadelphia has been lifted.
In an unexpected turn of events, the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania essentially overturned Philadelphia’s enforced skill game prohibition. The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that the restriction on skill games for gas stations, convenience stores, and other businesses was lifted on Friday. The limitation was overturned following a judicial challenge filed by Harry Sandhu, a petrol station owner, and G&B Amusements, a skill game distributor.
See also:
- DraftKings faces a lawsuit over the alleged exploitation of gamblers
- 711.nl provides Thunderkick with a Dutch expansion opportunity
- French gambling keeps an eye on the turmoil in the administration
Judge Patricia A. McCullough of the Commonwealth Court accepted the city’s notifications and warnings to establishments operating skill games from October. Aside from warning such firms of infractions, Philadelphia warned that until the devices were removed, they might face $1,000 daily penalties and license revocation.
McCullough cited a prior Commonwealth Court ruling, which determined that skill games are not prohibited gambling machines. At the same time, the court noted that such devices differed from slot machines featured at the state’s racetracks and casinos. That’s why McCullough said: “As the law stands today, POM (Pace-O-Matic) Games that are located outside of regulated facilities are neither illegal nor regulated.”
The recent judgment may encourage politicians to regulate skill games rather than continuing to try to outlaw them. Previously, lawmakers suggested legislation that would tax such games in the same manner that slot machines are charged.
Supporters of Skill Games praise the Court’s latest decision.
While the current court ruling was a setback for proponents of the ban on skill games, it was not for many companies and game creators. G&B Amusements and Sandhu’s lawyer, Matthew H. Haverstick, was overjoyed with the Commonwealth Court’s decision. “We’re gratified that the Court stepped in to prevent real harm to small businesses throughout Philadelphia that rely on the POM (Pace-O-Matic) Game to make ends meet,” he told me.
Mike Barley, a representative of Pace-O-Matic, a Georgia-based manufacturer of skill games, was just as thrilled. He described the current judgment as “a victory for Philadelphia’s small businesses.” In addition, Barley emphasized the critical income that these games produce for such firms.
Join us on all our social channels and groups
Gameongazette is present on:
