ICYMI: Pennsylvanians Are Speaking Out Against The Dangers Of “Skill” Games

Following a Philadelphia County jury’s $15.3 million verdict finding Pace-O-Matic negligent in the death of a convenience store clerk in 2020, Keystone State residents and law enforcement officials are raising alarm on neighborhood slot machines. In Erie, Pennsylvania, local police investigated more than two dozen break-ins tied to these machines in 2025 alone, with the most recent attempt occurring just last week.

Beyond law enforcement, responsible citizens and journalists are increasingly voicing their concerns about the dangers of these machines. In an op-ed penned this week, Broad and Liberty managing editor, Kyle Sammin, criticized the devices and their manufacturer’s disregard for public safety.

“Just like underground poker and dice games, the places that have skill games get robbed. …  Pace-O-Matic and Miele Manufacturing were negligent in placing the machine in an unsafe location, in violation of its own regulations.”

Sammin ultimately urged Governor Josh Shapiro to “close the loophole and shut down” these devices entirely, a smart move for protecting small businesses and community members alike.

Responsible citizens, law enforcement officials, and lawmakers in Virginia should heed Pennsylvania’s warning. Wherever these machines operate, they bring with them the possibility of violence and danger, and clear bad-faith intentions from operators.

This shady industry isn’t interested in giving back to the small businesses they feed on, or in being responsible players in the gaming industry – they’re only focused on bolstering their own bottom line.