A recent poll by the Pennsylvania Taverns and Players Association (PA Tap) revealed that over half of Pennsylvania voters oppose banning skill games. The survey highlighted strong support for fair regulation, with nearly 60% of participants endorsing a 16% tax on legal skill games.
“Voters polled don’t believe skill games harm other gaming revenues, including slots, iGaming, or lottery,” stated the PA Tap poll. Additionally, voters indicated they are less likely to support elected officials who push for higher, punitive taxes on these games.
Call for Fair Regulation
Doug Sprankle, PA Tap President, emphasized the significance of the polling results. “Polling results show that Pennsylvanians overwhelmingly support a compromise solution that would fairly tax and regulate skill games. They understand the important role supplemental revenue generated from these games plays in supporting small businesses and fraternal clubs,” Sprankle noted. He added, “They also understand the difference between regulation and overregulation. We are hopeful the Legislature will heed the advice of Pennsylvanians and fairly regulate and tax skill games and the small businesses and fraternal clubs they support.”
Previously, Pennsylvania regarded skill games as “unlicensed gambling machines that are operating illegally and subject to seizure by police.” The American Gaming Association estimates that Pennsylvania hosts nearly 67,000 skill game terminals, the highest number in any state.
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court will soon consider an appeal by the attorney general’s office against a lower-court decision. The lower court ruled that skill games are based on player ability and not chance, thus distinguishing them from illegal gambling.
This poll and the upcoming legal considerations underscore the ongoing debate about the role and regulation of skill games in Pennsylvania’s gaming landscape. Voters’ clear preference for fair taxation and regulation could influence future legislative and judicial outcomes.
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