Sens. Gene Yaw (R-23) and Anthony Williams (D-8) have introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at regulating skill games in Pennsylvania and addressing illegal gaming operations. The new proposal, Senate Bill 1079, builds on previous legislative efforts by Yaw and incorporates measures that prohibit skill games in “stop-and-go” stores, a priority for Williams.
“There is broad recognition of the need to regulate skill games,” said Yaw. “This legislation delivers immediate revenue, supports small businesses and veterans’ organizations, and puts safeguards in place to protect our communities. Every concern raised by the public and by our colleagues in the legislature has been carefully considered and directly addressed in this bill. It’s time to move beyond the rhetoric and enact meaningful reform.”
The proposed bill replaces an earlier tax structure with a $500 monthly fee per skill game machine. Lawmakers estimate that this approach will generate about $300 million annually, with nearly half of those funds directed toward public transportation, infrastructure costs, and the state’s Clean Streams Fund.
Senate Bill 1079 also aims to strengthen penalties against those operating unlicensed or illegal gambling devices. Additional requirements include valid identification for players, limits on the number of machines per location, and stipulations that skill games only serve as secondary sources of revenue for establishments. The legislation mandates that all games be connected to a terminal collection system monitored by the state, similar to oversight of lottery transactions.
“Communities across Pennsylvania have been asking us to take action on unregulated skill games and nuisance locations,” Williams stated. “This bill is about fairness, safety and responsibility. It ensures that revenue is directed where it can do the most good, like supporting public transportation and infrastructure, while also giving our neighborhoods relief from the problems caused by illegal games.”
The measure addresses concerns related to stop-and-go stores—businesses with restaurant or retail liquor licenses operating as convenience stores or delis but failing to meet licensure requirements. The Pennsylvania Stop-and-Go Legislative Taskforce is responsible for overseeing issues associated with these establishments in Philadelphia. The task force includes members from both chambers of the state legislature, an appointee from the governor’s office, and a representative from the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board.
By targeting stop-and-go locations linked to illegal gaming activities, lawmakers hope to support efforts aimed at restoring order and trust within affected communities.
For more information on state-related news or details about this legislation, constituents are encouraged to visit www.SenatorGeneYaw.com or www.SenatorAnthonyHWilliams.com.
