In a move aimed at addressing public safety concerns, the township of Bensalem, Pennsylvania, has unanimously voted to ban skill games within its borders, with a few exceptions. The decision, which comes after a two-year investigation by the local police department, has ignited a heated debate over the impact on small businesses and the role of regulation in the skill gaming industry.

Navigating the Complexities of Skill Games in Bensalem

The Rise of Skill Games and Their Impact on the Community

Bensalem, a thriving township in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, has witnessed a significant surge in the presence of skill games within its borders. In 2023, the township estimated around 100 such games operating in various businesses, including delis, restaurants, bars, and convenience stores. However, by 2024, that number had skyrocketed to 170, raising concerns among local authorities.The proliferation of these unregulated skill games has been linked to a range of public safety issues, including robberies, theft, and even drug use. According to Public Safety Director William McVey, the township has seen a "proliferation of these machines" that has "welcomed a criminal element" into the community.

Bensalem's Response: Balancing Public Safety and Small Business Interests

In response to these concerns, the Bensalem Township Council has taken decisive action, unanimously voting to ban skill games within the township, with a few exceptions. The new ordinance, which will come into effect in 10 days, is designed to mirror a proposal currently being considered in the Pennsylvania State Senate, Senate Bill 1142.The exceptions to the ban include businesses and clubs with active, state-issued liquor licenses. These establishments will now be required to implement video surveillance in their gaming areas and ensure that the machines are placed in visible locations, accessible to employees and not to children.

The Debate: Protecting Small Businesses or Prioritizing Public Safety?

The Bensalem decision has sparked a heated debate, with proponents arguing that the move is necessary to address the public safety concerns, while opponents contend that it will have a detrimental impact on small businesses.Mike Barley, a spokesman for PA Skill, a company that provides skill games, has expressed alarm at the township's decision, stating that it will "hurt small family-owned businesses and fraternal clubs that benefit from the supplemental revenue from skill games." Barley argues that a ban on legal skill games is not the answer and that regulation and taxation legislation, as supported by Governor Josh Shapiro, would be a more effective approach.On the other side of the debate, Bucks County District Attorney Jennifer Schorn has defended the township's decision, stating that the move is necessary to address the risks associated with the unregulated skill games. Schorn emphasizes that "victims of violent crimes always say, 'I didn't think it would happen to me until it did,'" and that the township must take proactive measures to protect its residents.

The Impact on Small Businesses: A Blow to Tight Margins

The impact of the skill game ban is already being felt by small business owners in Bensalem, such as Anthony Ricciardi, who owns the Ricciardi Mini Mart and Sunoco gas station. Ricciardi, who has four skill game machines in his establishment, will now be required to remove them, as his business does not fall within the exceptions outlined in the new ordinance.Ricciardi argues that the skill game machines have been a valuable source of supplemental revenue for his small business, helping to cover the tight margins on his products. He laments that the new ordinance is "just one of those extra things that helps us with the bills and payroll."

The Broader Implications: Skill Games and the Regulatory Landscape

The Bensalem decision is part of a larger trend in Pennsylvania, where the City of Philadelphia has also taken similar action earlier this year, citing concerns over crime and violence connected to skill games.The debate over skill games in Bensalem and beyond highlights the complex interplay between public safety, small business interests, and the regulatory landscape. As the state legislature considers Senate Bill 1142, which aims to address the issue of skill games, the Bensalem case serves as a microcosm of the broader challenges facing policymakers and stakeholders in this rapidly evolving industry.