In communities across Pennsylvania, legal skill games are doing more than providing entertainment—they’re fueling essential support for local organizations and public safety services.
Many volunteer fire companies rely on supplemental revenue from skill games to purchase uniforms, update aging equipment, and cover critical vehicle maintenance. Without this funding, these companies might be forced to request additional support from township budgets—placing greater financial pressure on local governments. In some cases, losing this revenue could have a direct impact on emergency response times and community safety.
Beyond fire services, skill games also provide crucial financial support to small businesses, American Legions, VFW halls, and other fraternal organizations that serve as the backbone of many townships. These organizations not only contribute to local economies but also foster a strong sense of community and civic pride.
It’s important to note that Pennsylvania Skill games are legal—as confirmed by several court rulings, including a unanimous decision from the Commonwealth Court. Unlike illegal operations, Pennsylvania Skill has strict placement standards. We do not allow our games in mini-casinos, and we continue to advocate for the shutdown of these unregulated operations that often evade oversight and contribute to a rise in unlawful gaming activity.
Pennsylvania Skill is committed to working alongside township leaders to address any concerns and to ensure responsible operation of skill games. This open line of communication is vital as lawmakers work to pass meaningful legislation.
Senator Gene Yaw has introduced Senate Bill 626, and Representative Danilo Burgos plans to introduce companion legislation in the House. If passed, these bills would not only regulate and tax skill games, but also deliver direct tax revenue to local governments and help reduce the prevalence of illegal mini-casino-style gaming.
Legal skill games represent a win for safety, small business, and fair regulation. With your support, townships can continue to thrive—and grow stronger together.
“I’m a big supporter of skill games because of the revenue it produces. It’s a lifeline – it helps with the funding of fire equipment, the apparatus, and the gear the firefighters wear. The cost over the years has skyrocketed. The revenue that’s produced by the skill games goes towards that, and without it, that’s a lot of chicken BBQs to try to make up for the lost revenue. You could ultimately say that without that revenue, it could have a bad effect or outcome on the public safety of the community.”
“If the fire companies didn’t have skill games, it could have two outcomes. One, ultimately, the fire company could close, or two, it could be passed back on to the taxpayers, through the municipality they live in. With the skill game revenue being brought in…it keeps the fire companies from coming to the local municipality to ask for increased funding.”
