PA Skill Games: Meadville Heads Towards Restriction

There seems to be no end to the skill games saga in the Keystone State. After the operators of PA online casinos instituted a court case asking for their taxation, now it appears that the city of Meadville has joined the fray with a vote that leaves no doubt as to the stand being taken.

Last week, a vote taken during the Meadville City Council meeting unanimously approved a preliminary vote to limit the location of skill games.

New Permits for Skill Games to Be Subject to Lengthy Process

The Meadville Tribune reported how the City Council discussed how best to adapt the zoning ordinance for the better regulation of businesses that supply skill game machines, noting that while these remained legally distinct from slot machines, they “resembled” them.

The vote approved preliminary changes to current zoning rules. These changes, if approved by a final vote at the end of the month, will prevent new owners in Meadville from opening new skill games outlets.

The new regulations include the creation of three zones where businesses can legally install the machines, severely restricting the availability of these controversial games. The Meadville Tribune explained that, in order to secure the relevant permits, new owners would need to go through a very lengthy legal process that is likely to discourage young businesses.

The process will include a presentation of the business plan to the city’s Zoning Hearing Board, as well as officially notifying neighbors so they can offer their comments. Finally, new applicants will need a positive vote from five board appointees.

It remains to be seen whether an eventual decision by the Supreme Court about whether skill games constitute gambling will influence Meadville’s stance.