On Monday, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled that under the Commonwealth's Gaming Act and Crimes Code, so-called "skill games" are unlawful.

            The machines can be found in many convenience stores, bars and restaurants, and other establishments across the Commonwealth.  According to the court they operate as unlicensed and unregulated slot machines.

            In the past these skill game devices were outside of the reach of both the Gaming Act and the Crimes Code.  Now they are not.

            Everyone has about four months to get rid of the machines.

            I worry for the local Veteran organizations and volunteer fire companies that rely on the machines as a source of revenue for their group's fantastic work.  I hope our elected officials do too.

            If that goes away, what will happen?

            I remember a time when only Veteran organizations and volunteer fire companies had the machines.

            Being untaxed and unregulated, these games have been the subject of years of litigation as they popped up all over the communities.  It is no secret that officially setting up laws around them would bring in more gaming cash.  Governor Shapiro recently estimated that it could bring in roughly $400 million.

            There were proposals to tax the machines at 52%, 35%, and 16% on gross revenue.  One senator even proposed a $500 monthly fee per machine.

            None of the proposals went anywhere.

            One state senator thinks the tax rates proposed so far would destroy the existing skill game machine industry.

            And, none mentioned significant breaks for Veteran groups or volunteer fire companies if a tax is applied or the machines are removed.

            Maybe they forgot about them.

            I hope that whatever conclusion our state legislators come to includes an exemption or break for our Veteran organizations and volunteer fire companies, and any other charitable organizations that rely on that revenue.

            Make sure you contact your state representative and state senator and remind them that there are groups who depend on that money to serve our Veterans and our communities.

            Cut them a break.