Pa Gambling Machines In Bars

In Pennsylvania, the road to degradation — and perhaps infectious germs — are lined with unregulated gambling devices.

At least 15,000 of the machines, and maybe as many as 20,000, are in PA bars, restaurants, convenience stores, pizza joints, fraternal halls, gas stations and truck stops.

As one law enforcement official on Monday told Play Pennsylvania, the illegal machines “are everywhere.”

Video gambling machines

Cumberland County District Attorney Skip Ebert said, “We have those all over the place.”

Games of skill machines – which look nearly identical to slot machines and are often under the “Pennsylvania Skill” brand – have been in legal limbo as they pop up in bars, convenience stores. Jun 23, 2020 HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Top Republicans in Pennsylvania’s state Senate are pressing sweeping gambling legislation that would allow slot machine-like terminals in thousands of bars, restaurants, nonprofit social clubs and other businesses that hold liquor licenses.

Maybe not for long, though.

Casino slots shut down, but unregulated slots remain

Gov. Tom Wolf had weeks ago ordered licensed liquor sellers closed to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

But that has not, so far, stopped many licensees from doing end-runs, allowing customers to continue lining up to feed money into their video gambling devices.

From March 18 to April 2, during the mandated shutdown, the Pennsylvania State Police checked 12,877 liquor establishments for compliance with shutdown orders.

PA State Police found many infractions

In those two weeks, 53warnings were issued, and four have more serious but pending administrative violations.

Pa Gambling Machines In Bars

Two places had their liquor licenses suspended by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) for failing to abide by the governor’s order.

There was “an influx of public inquiries” about alleged violations, according to PA State Police spokesman Ryan Tarkowski.

Major Jeffrey Fisher, Director of the Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement for the state police, said:

“While our position on the legality of these devices remains unchanged, ensuring public safety in the midst of the ongoing health crisis is our top priority. Liquor licensees are cautioned that in addition to potential unlawful gambling charges, they are subject to citation if they fail to take steps to prevent patrons from remaining on premises to operate video gambling devices.”

Skirting the shutdown orders

Wolf’s order closed liquor-licensed establishments for all but carry-out, delivery and drive-thru food and beverage service. But even those exceptions required social distancing and additional mitigation measures to protect workers and patrons.

Wolf’s order also allowed licensed beer distributors to remain open and sell to licensed grocery stores, convenience stores, and other retail licensees with “to-go” licenses.

The PA State Police press release added that those liquor licensees and also non-licensee businesses, such as convenience stores and restaurants with the machines, should “discontinue the use of illegal video gambling devices in voluntary compliance” with the governor’s orders to slow the spread of COVID-19.

But some establishments are skirting the shutdown order, allowing customers to play on the unregulated video devices.

Group had called for immediate shutdown of all machines due to virus

Pennsylvanians Against Illegal Gambling (PAIG), an advocacy group, is opposing illegal gambling, which is largely bankrolled by Parx Casino and Racing, on March 20 called for the shutdown of all unlicensed machines, not just those in licensed liquor businesses.

Pa Gambling Machines In Bars

The governor’s shutdown had mandated that all “amusement, gambling, and recreation industries” must stop, which meant more than just casinos.

The reason is the concern that the virus can linger for hours to days on the surfaces of the machines. Players repeatedly touch these screens.

PAIG had called on the Pennsylvania Department of Health as well as county health departments to order business owners to shut down any machines still operating in their establishments immediately.

State police efforts praised

The PAIG group on Monday praised the police for its recent enforcement actions.

“We are encouraged by Pennsylvania State Police’s proactive efforts to address this glaring public health risk,” said Peter Shelly, spokesperson for PAIG.

“The state’s casino industry has stepped up and put the safety of the 20,000 men and women they employ, and the safety of their customers first,” Shelly added.

The state’s temporarily closed brick-and-mortar casinos hold about 24,000 highly regulated and heavily taxed slot machines.

“The continued operation of these (unregulated) machines pose enormous risks to the short-term health of Pennsylvanians and the long-term health and stability of the entire Commonwealth,” added Shelly.

No revenue and no safeguards with unlicensed machines

The state gets no tax from the unregulated devices, and there aren’t any regulatory safeguards in place to assure fairness. In fact, PAIG and the PA Lottery claim the illegal machines divert money, which otherwise would be spent on the lottery.

Revenue from the lottery helps fund senior programs. Lottery officials have testified that the unregulated machines could divert $200 million in funding.

PAIG had called on state and local health departments to order business owners to shut down machines still in operation, but that has not happened.

And the reality is businesses without liquor licenses, but with plenty of unregulated machines, still appear to be getting little or no scrutiny.

Shelly said he is unaware of any enforcement efforts by agencies other than the PA State Police.

Enforcement about to expand

That’s true, but changing.

Play Pennsylvania recently reported grant money from the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) has gone to enforcement efforts for local law enforcement to investigate violations and enforce laws relating to unlawful gambling.

The PGCB recently joined the enforcement fray by labeling the machines illegal following a court ruling where an enforcement stay was lifted.

The following jurisdictions got grants:

  • $250,000 for the District Attorney’s Office in Delaware County, which is where Harrah’s Philadelphia Casino and Racetrack is located
  • $221,025 for Bensalem, the host city for Parx Casino and Track
  • $154,336 for Cumberland County
  • $114,802 for Lackawanna County, which contains Scranton and the Dunmore Borough police (Mohegan Sun Pocono is in nearby Wilkes-Barre.)

More ammo against unregulated gaming devices

Ebert, the DAin Cumberland County, just west of Harrisburg, said Monday he hopes to soon have the grant money in hand. But preliminarily, he had already asked detectives to do an informal survey.

“The word I got back is these machines are just everywhere,” he said.

Ebert said he plans to order surveillance and then begin seizing machines and bringing cases once the grant money is available.

The American Gaming Association has backed a push for new laws against the devices. On Monday, the AGA provided PlayPA an update on the organization’s unregulated gaming efforts.

According to Senior Director of Government Relations Jessica Feil, the problem with illegal machines is most acute in Pennsylvania, Virginia and Missouri. The AGA is actively sharing information and resources with enforcement agencies in those regions.

According to Feil, the AGA:

“Continues to work with industry stakeholders across the country to monitor the spread of unregulated machines into new states. While Americans are eager for entertainment in the current environment, it is more important than ever that it does not come from unregulated machines that do not appropriately prioritize responsible gaming or public safety.”

Pennsylvania’s casinos provide the latest gaming machines and tables, plus possible access to on-site racing venues for additional betting. Many casinos are also entertainment hubs that offer access to concert and show venues and a wealth of exquisite dining options.

Try your luck at one of the 12 Pennsylvania casinos below, where you’ll be sure to pocket many fond memories, if not loads of winnings.

1. Harrah’s Philadelphia

Chester

Catch live harness-racing action at Harrah’s Philadelphia or watch races that are broadcasted live daily from major tracks in their indoor waging area. Meanwhile, the casino features more than 2,000 slots, video poker machines and a variety of table games.

2. Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course

Grantville

Hollywood is the theme at this casino, the only gaming and racing facility in central Pennsylvania. Try your luck at more than 2,400 slot machines and 56 table games, or snag a box seat at the track where live races takes place Wednesday—Saturday at 6pm.

3. Lady Luck Casino Nemacolin

Farmington

Lady Luck Casino Nemacolin is a small casino situated at the lovely Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, which offers shuttles to and from the casino 24/7. Featuring nearly 600 slot machines, 29 table games, including roulette, craps and blackjack, Lady Luck is an understated hideaway for slots lovers.

4. The Meadows Racetrack & Casino

Machines

Washington

The Meadows supplies year-round harness racing and more than 3,000 slot machines, 65 table games and a variety of entertainment options, including a 24-lane bowling alley and live entertainment at Headliners, a venue that hosts local and national performing artists. Whether you’re in the mood for casual food court dining, trackside eats, or surf and turf from an award-winning steakhouse, The Meadows has a variety of dining options to satisfy your palate.

5. Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs

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A $208 million renovation effort dramatically transformed Pocano Downs into not only Pennsylvania's first casino, but the area's leading enterntainment complex. With 82,000 square feet of gaming space holding 2,300 slot machines, 90 table games and a 218-room, 20-suite hotel, Pocono Downs offers countless opportunities for gaming fun. The hotel and entertainment center’s unique architecture is inspired by the landscape, flora, wildlife, natural resources and personality of the Susquehanna River Valley.

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6. Mount Airy Casino Resort

Mount Pocono

Mount Airy Casino has a wide variety of attractions, including an 18-hole championship golf course with 6,500 yards of manicured greens, a luxurious spa and salon, and an impressive 51,000-square-foot indoor and outdoor pool. Gamers love the 1,800 slot machines and 70 table games. Try The Buffet for the great sampling of gourmet dishes, including carving, salad, seafood and dessert stations.

7. Parx Casino and Racetrack

Bensalem

Parx Casino and Parx East, adjacent properties located 20 minutes away from Philadelphia’s Center City, feature more than 3,330 slot machines, 100 live gaming tables, plus live and simulcast racing action. Sports lovers should spend time at Jax, a sports bar featuring more than 48 poker tables, and Chickie & Pete’s, an interactive sports bar and crab house.

8. Presque Isle Downs & Casino

More than 1,700 slot machines light up this casino and racetrack. Presque Isle Downs & Casino offers shuttle that runs 24/7 to the Baymont Hotel across the street, so visitors can stay and play. Don’t miss live music on Friday and Saturday evenings at the Downs Clubhouse & Lounge and the Sunday champagne breakfast buffet.

9. Rivers Casino

Rivers Casino offers 3,000 slot machines, more than 100 tablegames and a 30-table poker room on Pittsburgh’s North Shore. The casino has five restaurants to choose from including Andrew’s Steak and Seafood, named after important Pittsburg natives named Andrew such as Carnegie, Mellon and Warhol.

10. Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem

Sands Bethlehem, located on the former site of the historic Bethlehem Steel plant, is home to 3,000 slot machines, 200 table games and a variety of dining, shopping and entertainment options. Shop at The Outlets at the Sands Bethlehem, check out the event center’s show schedule or dine at one of the resort’s 10 restaurants, including Steelworks Buffet & Grill and Emeril’s Chop House.

11. Sugar House Casino

Located on the site of a vacant sugar refinery on the Delaware River, the casino has more than 1,900 slot machines and 103 table games. Dine on the waterfront at The Refinery, where delicious American cuisine collides with live music and gorgeous views. The casino provides free transportation via its Sugar Express trolley from more than 24 Philadelphia locations.

Pa Gambling Machines In Bars Update 2016

12. Valley Forge Casino and Resort

King of Prussia

Buy Gambling Machines

Valley Forge Casino and Resort has 600 slot machines, 50 live gaming tables and 485 guestrooms and suites. Plan to spend the night at the resort, where visitors can also hang out at an outdoor garden pool with views of Valley Forge National Historical Park, ride a mechanical bull at Deuces wild Buck’ Bull Saloon and chow down at eight different fine dining and casual restaurants.