DUPONT, LUZERNE CO. (WOLF) — A coalition of bar owners, VFW leaders, skill game suppliers and state representatives gathered at the Dupont VFW to press Pennsylvania lawmakers to protect skill games, arguing the machines provide critical revenue that helps keep small businesses and veterans organizations open.
“We can’t afford to shut them down, “said Mark Kowalczyk, the bar manager and steward at the Polish American Citizens Club .
The meeting focused on building support for Senate Bill 1079 and House Bill 2213, proposals supporters say would create rules for the machines while avoiding a tax structure they believe would devastate small businesses.
Opponents of the Shapiro administration’s proposed 52% tax rate said it would treat skill games like casino slot machines and could force small businesses across the state to cut back or close.
“It’s really important to have those there because it’s like you have a little bit of profit from every are and then add the skill games in it, it keeps you afloat and it keeps you ahead,” said Kowalczyk. “By taking those away, it’s sending us back to ground zero. And now we’re going to be breaking even every month again.”
Business owners and managers said revenue from skill games helps pay for renovations and improvements and supports community sponsorships. Without that income, they said many organizations would be barely scraping by, and some would close completely.
Supporters said the Legislature needs to pass legislation setting parameters for the machines by the end of a court-ordered 120-day enforcement stay. One approach highlighted at the meeting, SB 1079 and HB 2213, would establish a $500 per terminal monthly fee instead of a percentage-based tax, along with other regulations.
If lawmakers do not act, supporters warned that slot-style machines would have to follow Pennsylvania’s Gaming Act, and unlicensed skill games — which make up the vast majority — would be forced to unplug.
Kurt Masser, owner of the Wayside Inn and a former legislator, warned of widespread closures if the machines are removed. “If these machines go away, he knows of a hundred and some locations across Pennsylvania will close. A hundred and some VFWs across Pennsylvania closing because of either inaction or not the right action by the legislature. So, we need to get something done,” Masser said.
Harrisburg has about two months to pass legislation before the 120-day deadline is reached in October.