Saxonburg business owner: Legislators must react to recent skill game decision swiftly
The owner of Sprankle’s Neighborhood Markets says his business benefits extensively from skill game machines, which are utilized at all three Sprankle’s locations — including the one located on West Water Street in Saxonburg.
But after a recent Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruling, the future of the machines in Doug Sprankle’s stores and others that dot Pennsylvania’s bars, convenience stores, laundromats and other businesses will be determined by the actions legislators now take before a 120-day deadline expires.
A Monday, June 15, decision from the state high court indicated skill games are to be legally classified as slot machines and makes the machines subject to the authority of Pennsylvania’s Gaming Act and Crimes Code. The ruling does not take effect for 120 days, which offers legislators time to carve out a place for skill games before law enforcement is compelled to take them off the streets.
Sprankle said the skill game machines are a lifeline for him and his family-run grocery business, which struggles to make ends meet in a volatile economy.
“At our Leechburg store, we had a really poor first quarter because of power grid issues. We lost a lot of product and sales,” Sprankle said. “Without skill games supplementing that store, we would have lost money in the first quarter.”
Sprankle expressed hope state legislators could reach a consensus on a legal framework for what to do about the popular skill games, which have operated in a legal “gray zone.”
State Rep. Marci Mustello, R-11th, praised the court for giving the General Assembly direction on what to do next.
“The Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s decision is a long-overdue resolution to an issue the General Assembly should have addressed years ago,” Mustello said. “We should view this ruling as an opportunity for a fresh start — one that provides certainty for local businesses, community organizations and the many Pennsylvanians who rely on them.”
For years, fellow state Rep. Aaron Bernstine, R-8th, has been a vocal advocate for small business’ right to profit off of skill games and has criticized what he has described as efforts from the state government to excessively tax skill game operators.
“The Pa. Supreme Court made a ruling ... but they are just one of the three branches of government,” Bernstine told the Butler Eagle on Tuesday. “This decision is to be made by the legislative branch, as it falls within our purview.”
If legislators can’t come together, the consequences will be dire, Sprankle said.
“Without that money and that revenue stream, Pennsylvania could face a very dark time similar to that of the Depression,” Sprankle said. “We’re not talking about big business. We’re talking about small mom and pop operations. We’re taking about fraternal orders. We’re talking about fire companies.
“That’s why I really feel strongly that our leadership is going to create something in these 120 days.”
Shortly after the ruling was announced on Monday, PlayPA for Charity — a group advocating for the modernization of skill games to financially benefit fraternal clubs and other nonprofits — criticized the Supreme Court’s decision.
“Today’s decision from the Pennsylvania Supreme Court will have an immediate negative impact on the revenue of veterans’ organizations and charitable clubs across the Commonwealth,” read a statement from the organization.
However, PlayPA for Charity expressed hope that state legislators could carve out a future for skill games through modernizing the state’s Small Games of Chance Act, which allows certain nonprofit organizations to legally conduct certain gambling operations.
“There is no better time to pass legislation to modernize Pennsylvania’s small games of chance law and provide VFW posts, American Legions, volunteer fire departments and other charitable organizations with more opportunities to thrive in their communities.”
Bernstine and Mustello both spoke of concern for nonprofits and businesses, too.
“These skill games are a major boost to our local nonprofits and small businesses,” Bernstine said. “Adding additional taxes to these businesses and nonprofit entities will cause significant harm to these communities.”
“Skill games have been part of Pennsylvania communities for years and serve as an important source of revenue for veterans’ organizations, volunteer fire departments and other first responder groups,” Mustello said. “As the General Assembly moves forward, our first priority must be ensuring these organizations can continue to utilize this revenue to support the critical services and programs they provide.”
State Sen. Elder Vogel, R-47th, declined to comment. State Sen. Scott Hutchinson and Rep. Tim Bonner did not respond to requests for comment.
