Pennsylvania’s Skill Game Manufacturers and Operators Applaud Raid on Illegal VGT Mini-Casino

Pace-O-Matic of Pennsylvania has released a statement regarding a massive seizure by law enforcement of illegal Video Gaming Terminals (VGTs) from an unregulated mini-casino in Berks County.

“Pennsylvania Skill has been pulling the alarm with regard to the issue of mini-casinos filled with illegal VGTs for over a year. We fully support law enforcement’s efforts to shut down these large gambling dens. These illegal games and massive gaming halls are located in strip malls across the Commonwealth,” Tom Marino, Pace-O-Matic of Pennsylvania Vice President, said.

“Last year, Pace-O-Matic of Pennsylvania held press conferences and filed nuisance complaints against illegal mini-casinos. These types of places are not in the best interest of the Commonwealth and hurt legal, regulated casinos across Pennsylvania, as well as legal Pennsylvania Skill games and the small businesses in your district that financially benefit from them. Of note: one of the companies actively engaged in lobbying in favor of legislation legalizing VGTs in the Commonwealth had their illegal video gambling devices seized in this raid.

“Pennsylvania Skill works to ensure we operate in a manner that is fully compliant with the law. We employ a team of former Pennsylvania State Police officers, including those who worked directly in the Bureau of Liquor Enforcement, to ensure our operators and locations are complying fully with the law, regulations and terms and conditions of their contract. Pennsylvania Skill strongly supports legislation to regulate and apply an additional tax on legal games of skill. We will continue working with the legislature to seek regulation, additional taxation and strict enforcement.”