Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB626

Introduced
4/14/25  

Caption

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

Impact

The passage of SB 626 would significantly alter the landscape of gaming regulation in Pennsylvania. It establishes taxation on gross profits generated by skill video gaming, with a set tax rate of 16%. The revenue generated from this tax will be allocated to various funds, including the Clean Streams Fund and counties and municipalities where the games are operated. Ultimately, this law seeks to create a regulated market for skill video games, ensuring compliance and safety for both players and operators.

Summary

Senate Bill 626, also known as the Skill Video Gaming Act, aims to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework for skill video gaming within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The bill mandates the issuance of licenses for the operation of skill video game systems, imposing duties on the Department of Revenue for regulation and enforcement. It defines key terms, sets forth licensing requirements, and outlines the procedures for application, renewal, and potential revocation of licenses. The act intends to ensure lawful operation while supporting consumer protections and promoting responsible gaming practices.

Sentiment

The general sentiment regarding SB 626 appears to be supportive among proponents who argue that it will create a more structured and economically beneficial environment for skill gaming. However, there exists a degree of contention, primarily revolving around local control issues, as municipalities may feel their authority to regulate gaming within their boundaries is diminished by state-imposed regulations. Economic development advocates view this framework as a step towards modernization in the gaming sector, while local governance advocates express reservations about state overreach.

Contention

Key points of contention in this legislation include concerns about the implications of preempting local regulations regarding zoning and business operations related to skill video game systems. Critics argue that while the intent to regulate and tax is clear, local governments could be stripped of the ability to tailor regulations to meet the specific needs of their communities. Additionally, the financial burdens associated with obtaining a license—such as the substantial application fees—raise concerns over potential monopolization of the skill gaming market by larger operators, potentially sidelining smaller businesses.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA SB1079

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 HB716

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

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.