State Rep. Manny Guzman Jr. says the fight to legalize and regulate skill games in Pennsylvania is far from over, despite lawmakers’ failure to reach an agreement before a looming deadline.
Guzman spoke Thursday night at Reverb Club, 1402 N. Ninth St., before a gathering of about 100 business owners and representatives of fire companies, veterans organizations and social clubs.
The Reading Democrat acknowledged that the General Assembly will not reconvene before Tuesday’s deadline to enact legislation regulating skill games, leaving businesses and organizations that depend on revenue from the machines facing an uncertain financial future.
“I felt this huge pain in my stomach,” Guzman said, describing his realization that lawmakers would adjourn without an agreement. “I knew that in just a few hours from then I was going to have to stand in front of all of you and tell you that the job that I’m a part of failed you.”
Skill games at a Berks County fire company social club have been disabled prior to the Oct. 13 deadline for their removal. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE)
The informational session was organized in coordination with gaming developer Pace-O-Matic to discuss the consequences of a Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruling and efforts to enact legislation regulating the machines.
In June, the court ruled that skill games are slot machines under Pennsylvania’s Gaming Act. The ruling effectively prohibits their operation except in licensed casinos and qualifying truck stops.
State police have warned that machines must be removed from unlicensed establishments by Oct. 14. Beginning that day, machines can be seized and establishments prosecuted. Simply unplugging or disabling the machines does not satisfy the requirements.
PA state police offer resources ahead of deadline to remove skill game machines
Guzman said lawmakers have been unable to agree on two major issues: how heavily to tax the machines and how to distribute the resulting revenue.
He said the court’s classification of skill games as slot machines raises constitutional questions about whether they must be taxed at the same 52% rate as casino slot machines.
Another disagreement concerns whether revenue should support the state’s general fund or mass transit systems, including those serving Reading and other Pennsylvania communities.
Guzman placed responsibility for the impasse on both parties and both legislative chambers.
“The blame is on both sides of the aisle, both Democrat and Republican,” he said.
Looking ahead, Guzman said Gov. Josh Shapiro could call a special legislative session, although he does not expect that to happen. Lawmakers are otherwise scheduled to return after the November election.
Any eventual agreement, he said, must resolve the tax question and determine how revenue will be allocated. He also questioned whether legislation passed by the House could secure the 26 Senate votes needed for approval.
“We got a large fight ahead of us,” Guzman said.
Some attendees wear matching T-shirts in support of skill games during a rally at the Reverb Club, 1402 N. Ninth St., Reading, on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE)
Other speakers at the session described the financial consequences of losing the machines.
Scott Reitnauer of Eastern Berks Fire Department said skill game revenue helps pay employees, utilities and equipment costs. The department also recently borrowed $150,000 for repairs to its roof and back wall.
“I don’t know how I’m going to make my payments,” he said.
Joe Magee, a Philadelphia-area tavern owner, said the machines have become essential to businesses struggling with inflation, higher wages and lingering pandemic-related debt.
“If these skill games go away, the only thing we can possibly do is raise our prices to meet today’s inflation,” he said.
Business owner Juan Rivera urged attendees to contact the governor and legislative leaders and demand action.
A rally in support of skill games and the organizations that rely on them was held at the Reverb Club, 1402 N. Ninth St., Reading, on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE)
During a question-and-answer session, attendees also expressed frustration over uncertainty surrounding enforcement and whether machines could remain on premises after being disabled.
Jeanna Bouzek, senior vice president of operations for Pace-O-Matic, said the company has repeatedly adjusted its plans in response to changing state police guidance.
Despite the approaching deadline, Guzman said he remains committed to finding a legislative solution.
“I support your industry,” he told the gathering. “I recognize how transformational it has been for business owners, not just in Reading and Berks County, but all across the commonwealth.”