LaVar Arrington made his presence felt on the football field for years across Pennsylvania at both the high school and college levels.
Now the former NFL linebacker is partnering with games that will benefit communities around the Commonwealth.
The former Penn State linebacker was in Erie Friday to share the resources provided by Pennsylvania Skill Games.
Skill Games are developed by Pace-O-Matic and manufactured by Miele Manufacturing. The games are based on the users skill or ability to win and earn a payout, rather than chance like in casino slot machines.
There are 800 machines in places all around Pennsylvania. They are in places such as fire halls, bars, and veteran organizations.
Money generated from the Skill Games are then split; between the manufacturer and the host venue. The venue operating the skill games can use their portion for operating costs or other business expenses. The money generated for the manufacturer has been used to provide donations to charities throughout Pennsylvania.
“In Pennsylvania, in the last two years, we have given away a million dollars every year,” said Jeff Millay, director of sales and services for Miele Manufacturing. “Fire departments to the backpack program in Sharon County, we sponsored that a couple years ago. Giving back is a big part of our company.”
Miele manufacturing also provided $400,000 to the Pennsylvania Food Bank over the last two years from revenue generated from Skill Games.
“The most important part of it is that Pace-O-Matic and PA Skill are so dedicated and so committed to communities that it is something I have seamlessly have been apart of and implemented to and have truly enjoyed having the opportunity to expand what i am able to do in terms of the exposure for people that truly need it,” said Arrington.
The games are not regulated in Pennsylvania. There is legislation to regulate it under debate at the state level. According to Miele Manufacturing and Pace-O-Matic, they have paid millions in sales and income taxes.
This article was originally published by ErieNewsNow
