Pennsylvania Senator Daniel Laughlin‘s proposed bill of eliminating a minimum number of slot machines a Pennsylvania casino must possess has been reported as committed and advances to the Senate floor thanks to a 9-5 vote on Wednesday. Laughlin formally introduced the legislation on April 28.
Senate Bill 666 now needs to receive its third reading and a floor vote before reaching the House. The following steps are required for it to :
- Third Consideration
- Referred to House Committee
- Reported from House Committee
- Third Consideration
- Bill lands on Gov. Josh Shapiro‘s desk for executive action
Category 1 and 2 properties are mandated to have at least 1,500 slot machines on the gaming floor. Under Laughlin’s proposed bill, casinos would not be held to a restriction on the number of games.
Laughlin’s explanation for legislation
Despite Laughlin wanting to lift the minimum requirement of slot machines, casinos are still going to have to make a case in front of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB). Properties who want to remove more than 2% of the total count must explain that it won’t adversely impact revenue, taxes, casino employees, local governments, or the Commonwealth.
The Senator cited in-state and out-of-state entities that have heightened competition. In a memo he wrote in March, casinos would have more freedom to operate:
“By eliminating the minimum slot machine requirement, this legislation will empower Pennsylvania casinos to optimize their gaming floors without compromising revenue or taxes.
“It will provide them with the flexibility needed to adapt to changing market conditions and ensure their long-term viability.”
Laughlin also referenced that the PGCB approved the removal of 471 slot machines in 2024 and total of 586 in the entire FY 2023/2024.
Presque Isle Downs and Casino also faced a fine of $50,000 for going below the threshold of slot machines. Casino general manager, Gary Hendricks, commented on the impact skill games are having on slots machines last week, which has put the long-term sustainability of the property in jeopardy:
“New Year’s Eve, busiest day of the year for us. I still have about 500 games that won’t get played, because that’s how far the demand has dropped off with all these other games on the market.
“And of course, they’re not paying, currently, a gaming tax. We pay a gaming tax, which is one of the highest in the country, is the highest in the country.”
Pace-O-Matic (POM), a Georgia-based skill games manufacturer, responded to those claims by citing 10 facts of its own, which defends skill games.
The Commonwealth Court seeking regulation for years.
