POTTSTOWN — 'Skill games' in the borough may soon be regulated, but if it happens it will be regulated by the borough itself.
There has been discussion in Harrisburg about regulating the games, which some consider to be like slot machines/gambling, but a court decision called it something else.
Local governments have not been very involved in the issue until now. However, back in November, council heard a somewhat unique proposal that seems to have started them thinking.
In November, John Mizic appeared before council with a proposal. Mizic works for a nonprofit group called Veterans Standing Together, which, as per its website, offers housing, employment, and mental health services to veterans.
Mizic mentioned that the organization had an idea to help regulate skill games, raise funds to help veterans, and provide additional revenue to the borough.
The proposal would be for borough council to establish a local ordinance, similar to the towing license, that would make Veterans Standing Together the sole entity legally allowed to distribute and operate skill games in the borough.
Mizic suggested that council could impose any kind of restrictions it deemed appropriate, such as age or time limits.
In return, Veterans Standing Together would enforce those rules at no cost to the borough and provide 20% of the earnings to the group. Mizic said that could mean as much as $400,000 in additional revenues each year.
Council seems to have declined the idea of handing the job over to Mizic and giving his organization “a monopoly,” but does seem interested in regulating the games.
Councilman Andrew Monastra said he has seen “people playing those games who should not be playing those games,” such as people who do not have enough disposable income to spend on such games.
“I really dislike the idea of taking from our poorest people and not putting anything back,” he said. “I’d like us to make sure its not all profit made on the backs of those who can’t afford it.”
“I don’t disagree,” said Councilwoman Lisa Vanni, adding, “but isn’t the state doing something?”
Borough Solicitor Charles D. Garner Jr. replied “there has been talk for over a year of the state getting their hand in it, but I haven’t seen anything specific. The borough might or might not be pre-empted from enacting a licensing requirement, but it’s a relatively simple thing to do.”
Garner added “for the short term, I don’t see anything coming down the pike. We could have this done within 60 days.”
And so they will.
Council unanimously voted to authorize the staff to create and advertise a law establishing licensing requirements for skill games.
