Pennsylvania Skill games (from initiation of play until final resolution of reward) comprise multiple components which collectively combine skillful elements such as puzzle-solving, mental visualization, pattern recognition, observation and evaluation, dexterity, memorization and/or recording, responding within a time limit and/or with no errors.
In 2014, Pace-O-Matic introduced its Pennsylvania Skill game into Pennsylvania by providing a game terminal to the Pennsylvania State Police for evaluation and confirmation that it was a legal game of skill. It was subsequently agreed to submit the game to a Pennsylvania Court to determine the legality of the game. After reviewing the Pennsylvania Skill game, the Court of Common Pleas of Beaver County ruled that it is a legal game of predominant skill under Pennsylvania law. The Commonwealth never appealed that decision. Thereafter, Pace-O-Matic provided Pennsylvanians and small businesses and fraternal organizations throughout the Commonwealth with the support and entertainment of Pennsylvania Skill games. Pace-O-Matic was, and remains, the only manufacturer of skill games who stands behind the legality of its products with a legal guarantee to indemnify operators and locations where our games are played against any claims that our games are being operated in violation of state or local laws. Consistent with this guarantee, Pace-O-Matic has defended the legality of the Pennsylvania Skill game against any challenge. Indeed, every court that has evaluated and adjudicated our games has determined them to be legal games of skill. See, e.g. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania vs. Miele Manufacturing, Inc., Court of Common Pleas for Monroe County, No. 1769 CR 2022, Order Granting Motion to Dismiss, Judge Jonothan Mark, June 1, 2023; In Re: Four Pennsylvania Skill Amusement Devices and One Ticket Redemption Terminal Containing $18,692.00 in U.S. Currency, Court of Common Pleas of Monroe County, No. 6673 CV 2022, Rule 1925 Opinion, May 18, 2023, Judge Jennifer Harlacher Sibum; Three Pennsylvania Skill Amusement Devices, One Green Bank Bag Containing $525.00 in U.S. Currency, and Seven Receipts, Court of Common Pleas of Dauphin County, No. 2022 CV 6333 MD, Opinion and Order, March 23, 2023, Judge Andrew H. Dowling, pp. 7-8; In Re: $14,611.00 U.S. Currency and Six (6) “Pennsylvania Skilll” Video Gambling Devices, Court of Common Pleas of York County, No. CP-67-MD-2529-2022, Order, April 17, 2023, Judge Amber A. Kraft.
In 2023, Pennsylvania’s Commonwealth Court unanimously ruled that our Pennsylvania Skill game is a legal game of skill throughout the Commonwealth. See the Opinion of the Commonwealth Court. In February of 2024, Governor Josh Shapiro prioritized regulating and taxing skill games throughout the Commonwealth. This is a recognition of the impact these games provide Pennsylvania small businesses, fraternal clubs, and how a regulated market can positively impact the Commonwealth. Pace-O-Matic is the leading supporter of this effort.