Pace-O-Matic (POM), creator of Pennsylvania Skill games, has congratulated the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) which saw an 8.7% increase in gambling revenue in May 2024 over revenue in May 2023.

The funding comes from slot machines, table games, internet gaming, sports wagering, fantasy contests, and video gaming terminals (VGTs). The May revenue total is $520,997,868.

As the PGCB celebrates yet another enormous financial win, small businesses, veterans groups, volunteer fire companies and other fraternal clubs across the state also are pleased with the income they receive from operating legal skill games.

“The increased revenue for casinos and other gambling enterprises under the jurisdiction of the PGCB is good for the commonwealth. These numbers show that there is room in the state for both casinos and small businesses that operate skill games to be successful. There is no competition between the two,” said Mike Barley, spokesman for Pennsylvania Skill.

Advertisement

Barley questions why casinos, especially Parx Casino, are fighting skill games when they continue to see increased revenues month after month and year after year. He added he is disappointed the giant casino industry wants to destroy family businesses and organizations that count on skill games for supplemental income by seeking to impose a crushing tax rate on the games. Legislation to regulate skill games calls for a 16% tax on skill games while casinos say the tax should be 52%.

“Sadly, $521 million a month is not enough to satisfy the greedy casino industry. Instead, they want to kill small businesses, American Legions, volunteer fire companies, Moose Lodges and other places that count on income from skill games. These locations could never afford to pay the same tax rate that wealthy casinos pay. Casinos know that but they simply don’t care,” Barley added.

Barley explained that POM supports legislation sponsored by Sen. Gene Yaw and Rep. Danilo Burgos that will regulate and tax skill games. There is bipartisan backing for the legislation that will put guardrails around skill game operations and provide $250 million in skill game tax revenue for the state in the first year alone. Gov. Josh Shapiro wants to see skill game tax revenue as part of his 2024-25 state budget. But, Barley added, that revenue is generated only through a reasonable tax on skill games.

Several courts have ruled Pennsylvania Skill games are legal, including a unanimous Commonwealth Court in November. In addition to providing supplemental income to small businesses, the games are manufactured in Williamsport and 92% of the income they generate stays within the local economy or the state.

Advertisement

Following the announcement of free self-exclusion support for Colorado, Iowa, Michigan, and Tennessee, The National Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program (NVSEP) announced that, beginning this August, individuals in California will have a simple, no-cost way to take the proactive step of voluntary self-exclusion to address their gambling through NVSEP.

NVSEP is working closely with the California Council on Problem Gambling to ensure that the program fills a great need for Californians.

Robert Jacobson, Executive Director of the California Council on Problem Gambling, stated: “California self-exclusion is a critical state program which allows individuals to request that a card room prevent them from gambling at, or in many cases entering, the premises for a designated period. This can be a crucial tool for those battling gambling addiction. However, enrolling in the program in person at a card room’s premises can have a powerful triggering effect, potentially leading to a relapse or deterring the individual from self-excluding entirely.”

“Remotely excluding – i.e., mailing in a form – can be a great alternative; however, it requires that the enrollment form be notarized to verify the identity of the person submitting the form. For someone suffering from an addiction – especially one which causes severe financial hardships – each added barrier or cost makes it that much more difficult for them to take that first step on the road to recovery. NVSEP’s offer of free notarization services for those enrolling in California’s self-exclusion program removes a significant barrier, potentially having a tremendously positive impact on countless Californians dealing with gambling addiction by making one of our most vital prevention and recovery tools more accessible,” said Mr. Jacobson.

Advertisement

Jonathan Aiwazian, CEO of idPair, said: “NVSEP is singularly focused on expanding free and simple access to voluntary self-exclusion to those who need it. This announcement has the potential to help many of the tens of millions of people who either call California home or make it a travel destination and need a free and effective way to protect themselves.”

International Game Technology PLC announced that it has released the highly anticipated Whitney Houston Slots game, giving players across the US an exciting new entertainment opportunity at their favorite casinos. The dazzling game is bringing the “Voice of a Generation” to a growing list of casinos, delivering an immersive experience that is sure to captivate Whitney Houston fans and slot enthusiasts alike.

“IGT is thrilled to bring the new star-studded Whitney Houston Slots game to casino floors across the US. Whitney Houston slots exemplifies IGT’s winning formula for licensed game themes: a world-class entertainment experience combined with a precise alignment of the licensed theme fan base and the slot player demographic,” said Nick Khin, IGT Chief Operating Officer, Gaming.

IGT’s Whitney Houston Slots was created in collaboration with The Estate of Whitney E. Houston and Primary Wave Music, resulting in a high-energy casino experience that authentically captures the talents and energy of the global superstar. Here’s what Whitney Houston fans and slot players should know about the game:

• Delivers a Concert-Like Experience. Casino guests will feel the beat of a legacy of chart-topping music while playing Whitney Houston Slots. The game features hit songs such as “I Wanna Dance with Somebody,” “So Emotional,” and “How Will I Know, which are brought to life through a synchronized audio and video experience on the towering SkyRise cabinet.
• Incorporates a Variety of Music-Inspired Elements. From game symbols to bonus content, the game is infused with iconic Whitney Houston concert footage and famous photos. One of many game highlights is its interactive platinum record collection-pot feature, where players collect platinum record symbols that land on the reels, which may then spill back into the game to trigger the Respin Bonus.
• Features Jackpots that Will Make Players Want to Dance. Pairing mega star power with big win potential, Whitney Houston Slots features four highly entertaining jackpots, including the top-level $500,000 wide area progressive jackpot. The game also incorporates gameplay mechanics that seasoned slots players know and love, including a dedicated lock and respin bonus, Cash on Reels, Stacked Wilds, and free games.
• Creates a Must-See Spectacle on the Gaming Floor. Certain to capture attention across the gaming floor, Whitney Houston Slots is housed on IGT’s newest hardware technology, the SkyRise cabinet. The SkyRise cabinet stands over 11 feet tall and features two 55-inch, 4K resolution curved-edge LCD screens to deliver vivid graphics, state-of-the-art sound, and optimized lighting design. When four of these cabinets are placed in a side-by-side bank configuration, the top screens of all four units seamlessly integrate and synchronize images to create a concert-like video wall.