STEELTON, Pa. (WHTM) — Pennsylvania State Troopers say they will soon seize skill game machines if the Pennsylvania state legislature doesn’t make them legal. Some non-profits in the Midstate say that would be devastating.
The American Legion in Steelton has already made plans to remove its machines by the Oct. 13 deadline.
“It is what it is,” Lisa Iskric, the VFW’s manager, said. “We’re not going to break the law.”
The Legion has four skill game machines. The revenue, Iskric says, makes up about 30% of the non-profit’s income.
“What it would look like not having that income is worrisome,” Iskric said. “There’s going to be a big impact on not just the post itself, but the community and all the things that we give to.”
She says they have no choice.
In June, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled skill games are illegal slot machines and gave the General Assembly 120 days to act before machines would be removed.
With the Oct. 13 deadline and no new laws on the books, the Pennsylvania State Police advised businesses and clubs to start removing the machines. Turning them off or unplugging them is not enough.
“The day before the deadline, our vendor will come in and remove the machines,” Iskric said.
The Pennsylvania Licensed Beverage and Tavern Association has also advised its members to start scheduling dates to remove machines as well.
Proposed skill game legislation was introduced in the Senate in November, and a bill will be introduced in the House in the next few weeks.
Even if something would pass, it will take time to ensure the skill games meet any new regulations which is why Iskric, like many other businesses and clubs, is hoping for a resolution soon.
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When lawmakers return to the Capitol on Sept. 28, they will have six session days to try to pass new legislation. It’s possible, but also challenging.
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