Pennsylvania skill game developer Pace-O-Matic has hailed the state’s casino industry for achieving record-high profits in 2019, where revenues showed an increase of 4.5% over the previous year. The firm has also called for a stronger approach to regulations that will accelerate the removal of illegal gaming in the state.
Tom Marino, Vice President of Government Relations, commented: “We applaud Pennsylvania’s casino industry on their record growth over the past year. The casino industry is creating jobs and providing tax revenue to the Commonwealth.”
Recently published figures from the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board confirmed that revenue at the state’s 12 casinos, rose by $146m, or 4.5% over 2018 to above $3.4bn.
He added: “It is important to highlight that the casino’s record growth has occurred at the same time Pace-O-Matic’s legal games of dominant skill have expanded as well. Pace-O-Matic’s Pennsylvania Skill games have provided a significant boost to Pennsylvania bars, taverns, fraternal clubs, volunteer firefighter halls and many other small businesses and non-profits.
“The fact the growth of legal skill games has coincided with record profits occurring at Pennsylvania casinos is proof positive that our games are catering to different players and not affecting casino revenue.”
Marino said the fight is on to pass legislation that will regulate, tax and provide strong enforcement to the dominant skill game industry, alongside a shared commitment with the Commonwealth and casino industry to address concerns regarding illegal gambling devices masquerading as skill games.
“These games have controlled payouts and are nothing more than slot machines,” he said. “They are hurting the lottery, the regulated gaming market and the legal skill game industry all of whom provide tax revenues to the Commonwealth. We strongly encourage the Bureau of Liquor Control and Enforcement to increase their enforcement and actions against operators who are distributing this illegal equipment.”
