Casino Skill Games Banned In Bucks County, With Exceptions
Casino skill games have been banned in Bensalem, Bucks County following a decision by the Public Safety Department. The announcement was made by Public Safety Director William McVey at the request of the local mayor. The department was asked to investigate after complaints from members of the public. However, there have been some concerns raised by Pennsylvania Skill, a group that offers skill-based games to local businesses.
Skill-based games include those where players make decisions that determine the outcome of the game. Games like poker and video poker are common examples. These games can be found in casinos as well as some other licensed venues. They are also found at the , where, according to poker expert Ciaran McEneaney, players can enjoy fast-paced games with big jackpots.
However, according to Bensalem officials, there has been an increasing number of skill game machines popping up all around the area, including in unlicensed and unofficial locations. Reports suggested that the existence of these unregulated games has directly led to an increase in violent crimes where they are located.
As a result of increased complaints from members of the public, the local mayor asked the Public Safety Director to investigate. It was widely expected that unregulated machines would be banned, but PA Skill, the manufacturer that supplies many of the games in the city, has said that the council has banned legal games, too, and that it will harm small businesses and communities.
In 2023, there were 100 skill games based in venues including delis, restaurants, cafes, and convenience stores. In 2024, there are 170 of the machines, showing a definite marked increase. Police have reported an increase in crimes where the machines are located.
The only venues that will be allowed to offer the games are those with a . Even these businesses will have to monitor the areas where the games are found.
The ban follows a City earlier in the year, and it is likely that other areas will follow suit, especially as legislation is being considered to prohibit these games across the whole of the state.
Following the ban in Pennsylvania, PA Skill said that it would be seeking legal advice and considering its next actions. On the other hand, they stated that they take the welfare of the communities where their games are found seriously and that they agree that unregulated machines should be stopped. They have called for regulation and legislation to ensure that machines are properly taxed, stating this will help prevent unlawful machines from being installed in venues.
PA Skill points to the tax revenue that this would also bring the state. Despite claims of increased crime, small business owners who rely on income from skill games say they have not seen the supposed rise. Although machines will not be seized, businesses that continue to operate them could face fines and other penalties if they are caught operating them.