Published on: June 3, 2026, 07:25h.
Updated on: June 3, 2026, 07:26h.
- Skill games in Pennsylvania currently lack regulation
- New legislation aims to bring these grey-market slot-like games under state control
Significant changes may be ahead for skill games in Pennsylvania.
State Representative Ben Waxman (D-Philadelphia) has introduced the Skill Game Consumer Protection Act. This proposed legislation, known as House Bill 2557, aims to regulate the estimated 80,000 unregulated gaming machines operating across the state.
“Regardless of your stance on the legalization of skill games in PA, everyone can agree that players, children, and communities need proper protections. The Skill Game Consumer Protection Act implements a robust framework for oversight and player safeguards if we choose to legalize these games,” Waxman stated.
Waxman, along with 10 Democratic co-sponsors of HB2557, proposes stringent rules to address the grey market, which courts have indicated straddle the line between gambling and skill-based gaming. The Skill Game Consumer Protection Act will significantly limit where these terminals can be placed and specify who is permitted to use them.
Location Restrictions
Waxman believes that local governments should have the authority to determine whether skill games are permissible in their areas. The bill allows municipalities to establish local laws that can ban these devices or restrict the number of machines allowed.
“Communities should have a voice in how these games appear in our neighborhoods. We have a duty to protect our children and residents,” Waxman remarked.
The Skill Game Consumer Protection Act proposes a ban on these machines in gas stations and convenience stores, which would severely impact the skill game industry, as these venues are often common hosts.
Waxman recommends that only establishments with valid liquor licenses, such as restaurants and bars, should be allowed to host PA skill games. Businesses lacking liquor licenses would need to provide a designated area that restricts access to individuals aged 21 and above.
Additionally, the Skill Game Consumer Protection Act would raise the legal age for playing skill games from 18 to 21.
Centralized Monitoring
Waxman intends for the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) to oversee the regulation of skill games. All machines would be required to connect to a central computer system, enabling the PGCB to monitor and audit operations in real time.
The proposed Skill Game Consumer Protection Act includes a tax on the gross revenue generated by skill games at a rate yet to be established. Importantly, it stipulates that “no less than 3%” of the gross revenue collected by the state must be allocated to the Compulsive and Problem Gambling Treatment Fund.
Additionally, skill games would be required to implement player protections to mitigate problem gambling risks, including limits on play speeds, enforced breaks, daily loss limits, and the extension of the state’s self-exclusion program to cover skill games.
Pace-O-Matic, the leading developer behind the popular Pennsylvania Skill brand, has informed Casino.org that they are currently reviewing the legislation and will provide a statement later today. Updates will be made as more information becomes available.