Harrisburg, Pa. — The Pennsylvania Supreme Court on Friday rejected two last-minute attempts, including one led by local state Sen. Gene Yaw, to keep skill games running past next week.
The court’s pause on its ruling that the machines are illegal slot machines when operated without a license expires Tuesday, Oct. 13.
In one-sentence orders issued Oct. 9, the court denied a petition from Yaw, R-Lycoming, Sen. Anthony H. Williams, D-Philadelphia, and Rep. Jonathan Fritz, R-Susquehanna.
The court also denied a separate emergency petition from a coalition of VFW and American Legion posts, fraternal clubs, and volunteer fire companies. The court gave no reason for either denial. Justice Kevin Dougherty did not participate.
Both petitions asked for another 120 days. The legislators argued that the General Assembly needs more time to pass a law regulating and taxing the machines.
The court ruled June 15 that skill games fall under the state Gaming Act and the Crimes Code. It delayed enforcement for 120 days because businesses had relied on earlier court decisions regarding the legality of the devices. The legislature has not passed a skill games law since the ruling.
Hours before the denials, eight licensed casinos, including Parx, the Live! casinos, and four Hollywood Casino properties, asked to file an opposition brief. They argued that the October deadline had been known since June and that more time would only encourage legislative delay. In their filing, they said knowing the stay would not be extended was “the best impetus for the legislature” to act.
The casinos also pointed out that they pay taxes exceeding 50% of slot revenue, while skill-game operators pay no comparable tax.
The Pennsylvania State Police has posted compliance guidance for skill games on its website.