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Senator Yaw’s Remarks on Regulating Skill Video Games
SUMMARY
Skill games are a huge topic of discussion in Harrisburg these days. Many of them were located in fraternal clubs, veterans’ organizations, taverns and small businesses across Pennsylvania. My office has heard from supporters from all walks of life on the importance of the revenue skill games once provided. They were critical to helping many organizations pay staff, pay bills, maintain their establishments and pay for donations that help their communities.
Many skill game terminals were manufactured right here in Pennsylvania, some in Lycoming County in the heart of the 23rd district. Ninety percent of the revenue they generated stayed here, mainly in the communities where they are located.
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But now, the future of these games is more uncertain than ever. A recent Pennsylvania Supreme Court decision determined that skill games fall under the state’s existing gambling laws, declaring the games illegal. Enforcement began on Oct. 14, and businesses, taverns, clubs and veterans’ organizations were forced to remove the games from their property.
The consequences of legislative inaction on skill games are no longer hypothetical, and the impact goes far beyond the bottom line. Losing this supplemental revenue also means fewer dollars to support local fundraisers, families and charitable organizations.
That’s why I introduced Senate Bill 1079, which establishes a fair regulatory framework for skill games, generates revenue for the commonwealth and protects those who depend on the games.
I need your help. Contact your senators and representatives, tell them how skill games have helped your organizations and ask them to support Senate Bill 1079.
You can find and contact them directly here.
OR you can easily fill out this form voicing your support, and I will personally pass your message along.
Read the bill and find out more here.
NEWS
October 15, 2026 – Yaw Shares Stories of Small Business Impacts Following Skill Games Deadline
October 27, 2025 – Yaw, Williams Lead Bipartisan Effort to Regulate Skill Games, Crack Down on Illegal Games and Nuisance Locations
June 23, 2025 – Skill Games
April 11, 2025 – Yaw Introduces Bill to Support Small Businesses and Veterans’ Organizations
January 16, 2025 – Yaw Bill to Regulate Games of Skill Could Generate Millions for Pennsylvania’s Clean Streams Fund – Senator Yaw
OP-EDS
September 10, 2026 – A Self-Inflicted Wound Pennsylvania Can Still Avoid
November 5, 2025 – Op-Ed: Skill Games Mean Jobs for Pennsylvanians
July 17, 2025 – Op-Ed: Killing Skill
May 1, 2025 – Op-Ed: Goliath Twists the Tale on Skill Games
