Press Release: Bensalem Business Owners Rally Against Gray Machine Ban
Bensalem Township, PA – Business owners and supporters of skill games in Bensalem are voicing their opposition to a recently enacted ban on gray machines, fearing significant job losses and harm to small businesses. During a council meeting, advocates delivered a petition signed by over 200 residents calling for the ordinance, passed in October, to be rescinded.
The ban restricts skill games to establishments with active liquor licenses, effectively removing them from public venues. Local entrepreneurs argue that they were not adequately informed about the proposed ban before its approval. Amarjeet Singh, a representative for the affected businesses, urged the council to reconsider the decision, emphasizing the economic impact on owners and employees.
Critics, including Pennsylvania Skill, a major manufacturer of skill gaming machines, allege that the township has unfairly prioritized Parx Casino, a claim that township officials deny. In response to the ban, Pennsylvania Skill has filed a lawsuit seeking an injunction against the ordinance, asserting that it violates their rights and that they will continue advocating for sensible state-level regulation of the skill games industry. A hearing regarding this lawsuit is set for January.
Supporters of the ban argue it serves a public safety interest, highlighting criminal activity associated with skill games. Councilman Joe Pilieri expressed that one casino is sufficient for the area and more gambling options are unnecessary.
While the Commonwealth Court ruled skill games as legal last December, the ultimate jurisdiction on the matter remains with the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, leaving business owners in uncertainty regarding the future of skill gaming in Bensalem. With affected establishments facing a deadline to remove machines by December 6, local business owners are anxious about the impending economic repercussions.
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