A Week Into Pennsylvania’s Skill Game Ban: Layoffs, a November 30 Clock, and Tax Numbers Nobody Has Pinned Down
United Gaming Advisors / Monte Cristo Gaming — October 22, 2026
The Pennsylvania skill game ban is now more than a week old, and the story has shifted from the deadline to the damage. Casinos.com reports that vendor Republic Amusements filed notice of intent to lay off 81 employees, and that larger operators moved machines to storage in other states before the deadline; roughly 70,000 machines are affected (Casinos.com, updated Oct. 19). That is one outlet and I could not confirm an original publication date, so treat it as reported, not verified.
The legislative clock is short. iGB reports the session adjourns November 30 and that the two bills that would have set a $500-per-terminal monthly fee and a 50,000-machine cap, HB 2213 and SB 1079, have not advanced. It describes State Police warnings but no specific arrest, seizure or charge (iGB, Oct. 15).
One caution on tax rates. Reports disagree: NBC10 cites 52% from the governor and about 35% from Senate Republican leaders, while Casinos.com mentions some Republicans at 20%. Spotlight PA describes only a gross-revenue tax versus a flat fee. Until there is a bill text or an official statement, I would not quote any single percentage as the state of play.
Prospective Investor Inside Analysis
My view, not a forecast.
A framework is likely months away, and the election and new session sit in the middle. Layoffs and stored machines tell you the incumbents are preserving optionality. For a newcomer, the window is for preparation: clean compliance history, a real offer to locations, and no shortcuts. PSP has said turned-off machines are still slot machines and it will look at cashless workarounds. Pace-O-Matic has a strong story and these relationships will not be easy to win. This is not legal advice.
If you want in on this market, reach out and I’ll show you how to win organic business the right way: contact@montecristogaming.com.
Bar, club or store owners: message me about your compliant options: contact@montecristogaming.com.
