BREAKING: “Skill” Game Manufacturer Negligent for Death of Convenience Store Clerk

Pace-O-Matic (“POM”) and Miele Manufacturing were negligent parties in the fatal 2020 shooting of an immigrant store clerk in Hazelton, Pennsylvania.

RICHMOND, Va. — Virginians Against Neighborhood Slot Machines (VANSM) is calling out the relentless push to legalize so-called “skill” games in Virginia, especially in the wake of a damning court verdict that exposes the true cost of letting companies like POM run wild.

A Philadelphia County jury just landed POM and Miele Manufacturing with a $15.3 million verdict, finding them negligent in the wrongful death of Ashokkumar Patel, a 50-year-old store clerk gunned down during a 2020 robbery at a “Pennsylvania Skill” location. The machines, designed and distributed by POM and operated without authorization or basic safeguards, made workers easy targets while POM raked in profits and ignored safety.

“This verdict torches any illusion that POM is a responsible actor. The actions from these neighborhood slot machine companies are reckless and indefensible,” said Nick Larson, spokesman for VANSM. “Our Commonwealth doesn’t need another corporate predator exploiting our neighborhoods under the guise of ‘skill.’ Lawmakers should draw a clear line: No more loopholes, no more excuses, and no more second chances for companies that put lives at risk.”

Community groups, law enforcement, and business owners across Virginia are united on this: Allowing companies with POM’s record of negligence and exploitation to operate here would be an insult to every small business owner, law enforcement officer, and community leader trying to keep our neighborhoods safe.