Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB1079

Introduced
11/11/25  

Caption

Providing for skill video gaming; imposing duties on the Department of Revenue; providing for issuance of licenses for skill video gaming; imposing a fee and criminal and civil penalties; and providing for zoning.

Impact

This legislation is expected to significantly impact the regulatory landscape surrounding gaming in Pennsylvania. By creating a designated framework for skill video gaming, it seeks to eliminate illegal operations disguised as skill games. The bill provides for penalties for unlicensed activities, thus enhancing law enforcement capability to address unlawful gambling practices. Local municipalities will have limited control, as the act prevents them from imposing additional tax obligations on skill video gaming businesses without explicit authorization, which may lead to a more uniform implementation across the state.

Summary

SB1079, referred to as the Skill Video Gaming Act, aims to establish a regulatory framework for skill video gaming in Pennsylvania. The bill assigns responsibility to the Department of Revenue and the State Lottery for overseeing the licensing, operation, and regulation of skill video game systems. Under this legislation, entities seeking to engage in skill gaming must obtain licenses, which involve various requirements including payment of fees and adherence to established operational guidelines. The act defines skill video game systems distinctly from traditional gambling devices, establishing legal clarity about their operation within the state.

Contention

While supporters argue that SB1079 will promote responsible gaming and generate state revenue through taxes and fees, there may be concerns regarding the implications for local businesses and enforcement resources. Municipalities may feel sidelined in regulating establishments that operate skill games, creating potential friction between state and local authorities. Additionally, ensuring age verification and preventing underage gambling could impose burdens on operators, raising questions about the practicality of compliance and enforcement measures defined in the legislation.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB2213

Providing for skill video gaming; imposing duties on the Department of Revenue; providing for issuance of licenses for skill video gaming; imposing a fee and criminal and civil penalties; and providing for zoning.

PA SB626

Providing for skill video gaming; imposing duties on the Department of Revenue; providing for issuance of licenses for skill video gaming; imposing a tax and criminal and civil penalties; and providing for zoning.

PA HB1619

Providing for regulation of skill gaming; imposing duties on Department of Revenue; establishing a regulatory program within Department of Revenue governing skill gaming; providing for issuance of licenses; imposing criminal and civil penalties; and providing for zoning.

PA HB2046

In revenues, further providing for establishment of State Gaming Fund and net slot machine revenue distribution; providing for skill video gaming; imposing duties on the Department of Revenue; and imposing a tax and criminal and civil penalties.

PA SB756

In fantasy contests, further providing for definitions, for general and specific powers of board and for prohibitions; in general provisions relating to gaming, further providing for legislative intent and for definitions; in Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, further providing for Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board established, for general and specific powers, for license or permit application hearing process and public input hearings, for regulatory authority of board, for number of slot machines, for reports of board and for license or permit prohibition; in licensees, further providing for Category 4 slot machine license, for divestiture of disqualifying applicant, for manufacturer licenses, for gaming service provider, for nongaming service provider, for occupation permit application, for slot machine testing and certification standards, for slot machine accounting controls and audits and for renewals; in table games, further providing for regulatory authority and for table game device and associated equipment testing and certification standards; in interactive gaming, further providing for internal, administrative and accounting controls, for interactive games and interactive gaming devices and associated equipment testing and certification standards; in sports wagering, further providing for definitions; in revenues, further providing for slot machine licensee deposits and for transfers from State Gaming Fund; in administration and enforcement, repealing provisions relating to political influence, further providing for investigations and enforcement, for prohibited acts and penalties and for liquor licenses at licensed facilities; in fingerprinting, further providing for submission of fingerprints and photographs; in miscellaneous provisions relating to gaming, providing for live-streaming on casino floor and further providing for severability; in general provisions relating to video gaming, further providing for definitions; in administration, further providing for powers of board; in application and licensure, further providing for key employee licenses, for establishment licenses and for license or permit prohibition; in operation, further providing for video gaming limitations and for compulsive and problem gambling; in enforcement, further providing for prohibited acts and penalties; in revenues, further providing for fees; in ethics, repealing provisions relating to political influence; providing for skill gaming; establishing the Skill Gaming Fund; imposing duties on the Department of Revenue; in riot, disorderly conduct and related offenses, further providing for gambling devices, gambling, etc.; in forfeiture of assets, further providing for asset forfeiture; making appropriations; making repeals; and making editorial changes.

PA SB570

Providing for End of Life Options Act; imposing duties on the Department of Health; and imposing penalties.

PA HB1140

Providing for access to contraceptives; imposing duties on the Insurance Department and the Department of Human Services; providing for severability; and imposing penalties.

PA SB1112

Providing for access to contraceptives; imposing duties on the Insurance Department and the Department of Human Services; providing for severability; and imposing penalties.

PA HB1141

In revenues, further providing for taxes and assessments; adding provisions relating to local gaming terminals by providing for general provisions, for administration, for application and licensure, for operation, for enforcement and for revenue; imposing the local gaming terminal tax; establishing the Local Gaming Fund; providing for ethics; in riot, disorderly conduct and related offenses, further providing for the offense of gambling devices, gambling, etc.; in Commonwealth services, establishing the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Programs Fund; prescribing penalties; and making appropriations.

PA HB716

Further providing for notification; providing for duty of employer; and imposing criminal and civil penalties.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.