In a recent interview with World Casino Directory, Parx Casino CEO, Mark Stewart, raised concerns about the impact of skill games on Pennsylvania casinos. According to Stewart, the rise of skill games in the state has been detrimental to the overall revenue and profitability of traditional casinos.
Stewart pointed out that skill games, which are often found in bars and restaurants, have been luring customers away from brick-and-mortar casinos. These games, which require players to demonstrate skill rather than rely solely on luck, have become increasingly popular among gamblers looking for a different experience.
“Skill games have been a thorn in the side of Pennsylvania casinos for quite some time now,” Stewart said. “They have been siphoning off customers who would otherwise be spending their money at our establishments. This has had a direct impact on our bottom line.”
In response to this growing issue, Stewart has proposed a solution that he believes will help level the playing field between skill games and traditional casinos. He suggests imposing a 42% tax on skill games, which would bring them in line with the tax rate currently applied to slot machines and table games in Pennsylvania.
“This tax proposal is not meant to punish skill game operators, but rather to create a fair and equitable playing field for all gambling establishments in the state,” Stewart explained. “By levying a tax on skill games, we can ensure that they are contributing their fair share to the state’s gaming revenue, just like traditional casinos do.”
Stewart’s proposal has received mixed reactions from lawmakers and industry stakeholders. Some have expressed support for the idea, arguing that it could help curb the proliferation of skill games and protect the interests of Pennsylvania casinos. Others, however, have raised concerns about the potential impact of such a high tax rate on skill game operators.
As the debate over skill games continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the issue has become a pressing concern for the Pennsylvania gaming industry. It remains to be seen whether Stewart’s tax proposal will gain traction and ultimately be implemented, but one thing is certain – the battle between skill games and traditional casinos is far from over.
