HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP, Pa. \u2014 It\u2019s the first Friday without skill games in the Commonwealth, and business owners tell Channel 11 they are already noticing a big difference. <\/p>\n
Owners of Plaza News and Lottery in the Hopewell Shopping Center say Fridays used to mean big business. Tonight, it was just about empty. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe should have four or five customers right here now that are not here,\u201d Pat Schade said.<\/p>\n
Schade owns the store in the Hopewell Shopping Center and another in neighboring Aliquippa. <\/p>\n
\u201cBusiness has already dropped 75%,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n
He also had a vending company that would install the games in other businesses and get half the profit. It\u2019s now gone. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re afraid we\u2019re going to have to close one store and let six employees go. That\u2019s what it looks like is going to happen,\u201d Schade said.<\/p>\n
That could change if the state legislature acts. Right now, nothing is imminent. <\/p>\n
On Friday, Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday was asked about the state\u2019s efforts in removing the machines. <\/p>\n
\u201cThe Pennsylvania State Police are the ground-level enforcers for that statute. We would come into play in the event there would be a seizure of any type of equipment,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Schade and co-owner Kerrie Caivano are trying to fight back.<\/p>\n
\u201cOne week, do not sell lottery. If the state doesn\u2019t want to bring skill games, do not sell lottery. If they take our money, we take it from them,\u201d Schade said.<\/p>\n
He told Channel 11 he\u2019s been in touch with other businesses about the boycott.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt seems like the small guys are the ones paying the price for it,\u201d Tim Martz said. He and his wife Serena own McBride Station in Butler. <\/p>\n
They credit Skill Games for saving them during the pandemic. <\/p>\n
\u201cI honestly think we should boycott the lottery so they can understand how bad they\u2019re hurting us right now,\u201d Serena said.<\/p>\n
All of the owners who spoke to Channel 11 support legislation that would put in place a $500 per machine, per month fee. They oppose Governor Shapiro\u2019s suggested 52% tax.<\/p>\n
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