Published on: February 7, 2026, 09:49h.
Updated on: February 7, 2026, 09:49h.
- Gamblers Anonymous highlights the rise of gambling issues linked to skill games
- Skill games refer to unregulated machines resembling slots
- Penn State research estimates 11% of adults in Pennsylvania engage with skill games
A representative from Gamblers Anonymous in Pennsylvania informs Casino.org that unregulated skill games are significantly increasing addiction levels across the state.
In Pennsylvania, skill games are widespread in various venues such as bars, restaurants, gas stations, and even stand-alone shops dedicated to these machines.
According to Gamblers Anonymous members, skill games are often reported as a “major factor” contributing to their gambling addiction, outpacing any other gambling format in the state.
“New members of Gamblers Anonymous consistently highlight Pennsylvania skill games as the leading cause of their developing gambling issues. Mobile gambling comes in second, while casinos are infrequently mentioned,” shared a GA spokesperson.
Gamblers Anonymous is a supportive community for individuals who come together to discuss their struggles with gambling and seek solutions. The only prerequisite to join is a genuine desire to cease gambling.
Unregulated Gambling Fuels Addiction
Skill gaming machines operate without regulation or taxation.
These machines, often called Pennsylvania Skill, lack oversight for fair play, including minimum payout requirements. Accessible to anyone aged 18 and up, ID verification is seldom enforced.
The rise of unregulated skill games, along with other gambling forms that offer limited consumer protection, is exacerbating addiction issues. In December, Josh Ercole, the executive director of the Council on Compulsive Gambling of Pennsylvania, addressed the Pennsylvania House Gaming Oversight Committee, indicating that online prediction markets, which began trading sports event contracts last year, are intensifying gambling addiction.
“Contrary to operators licensed by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, these prediction markets are not compelled to implement comprehensive consumer protection measures mandated by state law. This enables a particularly vulnerable demographic to engage in high-risk activities. Lately, we have witnessed a notable surge in younger individuals contacting our helpline,” Ercole remarked.
In addition to betting on outcomes like the Super Bowl, these prediction markets permit traders to wager on various unconventional topics. For instance, participants can predict which brands will advertise during the game (Pepsi has a 98% likelihood), whether announcers will mention President Trump (19% chance), and if California Governor Gavin Newsom will attend the championship at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara (91% chance).
Engagement with Skill Games
Research from Penn State University indicates that approximately 2.5% to 6.4% of adults in Pennsylvania exhibit behaviors consistent with problem gambling. Alarmingly, between 27.9% and 29.9% qualify as at-risk gamblers.
Furthermore, the study reveals that 11% of adults in Pennsylvania have participated in skill games, which is considerably higher than the 3.8% of adults who have engaged with online casino games.