Pennsylvania lawmaker defends proposed lower tax on skill games

Pennsylvania Sen. Gene Yaw (R-23) believes a high tax on skill games would hurt small business. He continues to back his own bill, which taxes the machines at 16%.

Yaw introduced skill games legislation in April with the intention of supplementing income for Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legions, and small businesses.

Skill games have been heavily criticized by the retail and online casino industry in Pennsylvania. However, it’s becoming more likely the machines will be taxed, not banned.

Lawmakers are far apart on how to actually tax skill games in Pennsylvania. Gov. Josh Shapiro proposed a 52% tax in his 2025 budget address in February.