The beloved game show “Family Feud” is set to make its debut in the realm of skill games, which are slot-like gambling machines frequently found in local retail shops, restaurants, bars, fire halls, social clubs, and fraternal organizations.
Pace-O-Matic (POM), a prominent name in the skill game sector based in Georgia, has recently secured a licensing agreement with Fremantle, a global entertainment powerhouse, to produce a lineup of skill-based games inspired by the iconic and enduring television game show.
“‘Family Feud’ offers a vibrant mix of entertaining challenges that allow players to gauge their survey knowledge with a dash of humor,” stated Paul Goldean, President and CEO of POM. “Winning requires skill, making it an ideal candidate for a Pace-O-Matic skill game.”
Since its inception 50 years ago, “Family Feud” has consistently ranked among the most beloved game shows in the United States, with Fremantle managing the daily competition since 2002.
POM anticipates launching its “Family Feud” skill games in the upcoming weeks.
Licensing Agreements Overview
The original version of “Family Feud” was developed in 1976 by Richard Dawson, who was its first host. This year, the game show celebrates its 50th anniversary by extending its brand through numerous gaming-related partnerships.
In addition to POM, Fremantle has previously partnered with BetMGM to integrate “Family Feud” slots, table games, and novel casino experiences into its iGaming platform. This collaboration also included rights to the popular game show “The Price Is Right,” another show produced under Fremantle.
Since 2023, Playtech has been the exclusive distributor of “Family Feud” casino slot machines.
The Legality of Skill Games
POM’s licensing venture with Fremantle to create and distribute “Family Feud” skill games follows significant challenges recently faced by the company in Pennsylvania.
In June, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled that skill games are classified as illegal slot machines under existing state legislation. The court dismissed POM’s argument that their machines, which permit players to influence payout rates, were not subject to the Pennsylvania Gaming Act.
The ruling determined that POM’s Pennsylvania Skill games fall within the legal description of slot machines. As Pennsylvania represents POM’s largest operational market, absent immediate legislative measures from Harrisburg officials, the company’s thousands of skill machines will be required to cease operations by October 28, the expiration date of the court’s 120-day stay.
Prior to its situation in Pennsylvania, POM also conducted operations in Virginia until the Virginia Supreme Court deemed its Queen of Virginia games illegal. Efforts to pass legislation to legitimize these machines did not receive approval from the General Assembly.
Currently, POM is still marketing its skill games in various jurisdictions, including Wyoming (Cowboy Skill), Texas (Lone Star Skill), Illinois (Illinois Skill), and Kansas (Dragon’s Ascent), navigating a challenging legal landscape.