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As a Palmyra Borough Council member and a veteran, I believe local leaders have a responsibility to get ahead of potential problems before they escalate. That principle guided my decision to introduce a resolution regulating skill games in Palmyra. We need local skill game regulation because of the threat of illegal games operating in our borough.
Read More: Palmyra Borough might consider ordinance regulating skill games
I introduced my resolution to the Borough Council on April 23, 2024, requesting that it be added to the May 13 meeting agenda. That was well before Senate Bill 756, introduced by Senator Chris Gebhard, became public. While some people may try to suggest this is timed with that legislation, it is not. My effort was driven by local concerns—specifically the Keystone Klub’s plan to install 30 gaming devices in a facility next to the Goodwill store in the Weis Plaza. That’s not a few machines tucked into the back of a convenience store. That’s a mini-casino in the middle of our borough.
To be clear, the machines being installed at the Keystone Klub are not from Pace-O-Matic—the manufacturer of most legally recognized Pennsylvania Skill games in Pennsylvania. While I have not independently verified what brand they are using, I do know from reliable sources that they will not be using Pace-O-Matic equipment. That raises serious questions about legality and oversight, and it underscores the urgency for local regulation.
I serve as an officer at my local American Legion post, and I have seen firsthand how these legal skill game machines have helped veteran organizations and volunteer fire companies survive. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when public events and traditional fundraising collapsed, these skill games became a critical source of income. The money raised helped pay bills, maintain buildings, support scholarship programs, and fund community outreach. It kept the doors open and the lights on for organizations that serve the public good.
That is why I support Senate Bill 626, introduced by Senator Gene Yaw. It provides a path to legalize, regulate, and fairly tax these machines. It includes protections like age restrictions, enforcement mechanisms, and a lower tax rate that ensures nonprofits and small businesses are not crippled by bureaucracy.
On the other hand, Senator Gebhard’s bill would be devastating. The bill’s tax structure and fees would severely hurt the very organizations and small businesses that rely on these machines. The proposed taxes would make it financially unsustainable for many American Legions, VFWs, volunteer fire departments, and the small businesses that distribute and service these machines to continue operating. This bill does not just go after the machines—it goes after the community support systems tied to them. I hope Senator Gebhard takes a serious look at what his proposal would actually do to these trusted organizations.
Moreover, it is important to note that there remains an open question about whether all games not produced by Pace-O-Matic meet the same legal and regulatory standards. This is particularly relevant to the Keystone Klub, which I have confirmed will not be using Pace-O-Matic machines. We do not know which exact games will be installed or whether they comply with all relevant safeguards. This uncertainty reinforces the need for a cautious and structured local policy to ensure transparency and accountability.
Let’s also not forget the recent action by the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, which seized more than 400 illegal gaming machines across the state. This was not some distant issue. It’s happening here in Pennsylvania. And while we have no evidence yet that such machines are operating in Palmyra, I introduced this resolution to ensure we do not become the next target. Regulation is not about punishing the good actors—it’s about preventing the bad ones from taking root.
My resolution does not ban legal skill games. It does not force veterans clubs or fire halls to remove their machines. It sets a limit of five machines per establishment by default, with the opportunity for businesses to request more through Borough Council approval. This creates a structure that is both fair and flexible. It allows us to evaluate applications on a case-by-case basis, ensuring the right locations are offering the right number of machines in a responsible, community-focused manner.
This is not about fear. It is about foresight. My resolution aims to protect the character of our neighborhoods, preserve the integrity of our local businesses and nonprofits, and prevent the spread of unchecked gaming that could harm vulnerable populations—especially minors.
I began this effort because no one else had. What I have started in Palmyra can serve as a balanced, thoughtful model for other municipalities across Pennsylvania. We are not overreaching. We are acting with caution, with care, and with the best interests of our residents at heart.
I welcome continued public input. But let’s focus on facts, not fear-mongering. Let’s act before problems start, not after they land on our doorstep.
Marcus Riddell serves on the Palmyra Borough Council.
