Summary
- An estimated $650 million has been lost in lottery sales due to illegal games.
- The group also wants to stop video game terminal legislation.
- More skills games are reportedly in the state now than when a study was conducted in 2017.
Illegal skill games appear to still be a problem in Pennsylvania and one group wants something done about it. Pennsylvanians Against Gaming Expansion (PAGE) have called for lawmakers to crackdown on the illegal games, saying it is costing residents millions from lottery gaming funds.
PAGE says that a study by the state lottery shows that the games have caused scratch card sales to plummet by around $650 million.
Stop Illegal Games in the State
PAGE first launched last year and says it was created in response to the illegal slot machines and legislation that sought to bring more of the video gaming terminals (VGTs) and skill games to the state. The group says that the State Police, Gaming Control Board, and Office of Attorney General all agree that skill games are illegal.
A report quoted by PAGE suggests that over $650 million in scratch sales from the lottery were lost due to the unregulated skill games. Basically, the VGTs are operating without regulations which means that revenues are not going towards the state like they do with other games.
In the report, it showed that from October 2017 to March 2022, the lottery sold $14.9 billion in scratch products, with revenues contributing to the state. That number could have been 4.4% higher and generated over $200 million for residents and businesses that benefit from lottery proceeds.
Since 2017, the lottery has reported 17x more skill games in the state. This is a huge influx of ‘illegal’ games and it seems the machines only continue to spread. More machines are being added on a regular basis and PAGE wants this to end as quickly as possible.
Lawmakers Need to Act Now
Pennsylvanians Against Gaming Expansion Spokesman Pete Shelly commented that the report analysis should be a flashing red light for government officials. State laws need to tighten up so the machines can be shut down.
Shelly asked lawmakers to look at the report and see the impact. The review is particularly needed as legislative proposals are on the table to expand gaming and regulate skill games. Shelly pointed out that law enforcement agencies continue to say these types of games are illegal.
Currently, the machines do not provide any money towards gaming taxes. Shelly says they bring crime to communities, but evidence was not provided to support this. The games have also been said to drain revenues for programs that help seniors across the state.
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