Jefferson County To Order $500 Fee Per Skill Games Machine, Per Report

Jefferson County in Pennsylvania is the latest jurisdiction to potentially implement a new ordinance involving skill games. The township is holding a testimony hearing on Oct. 2 to discuss regulations of the machines. Meadville became the latest city in the Keystone State to vote on a policy that limits the number of skill games throughout the town.

The ordinance Jefferson County is discussing would require a license to carry devices. Jefferson County’s ordinance does not wish to limit skill games within the town, according to Borough Manager, Dana D. Rooney, CBO.

She told PlayPennsylvania on Thursday: “We have had a significant number of games of skill enter our borough in recent months. We are looking to get the machines registered to better track their locations.”

Jefferson County orders multiple requirements for skill-based gaming machines

There are several reasons that districts throughout the state have limited skill games. The biggest reason is the similarities to slots on Pennsylvania online casinos and retail properties. Of course, the other pertains to crime.

Rooney informed PlayPennsylvania that the ordinance will not limit skill games in anyway. The decree is to help keep track of the number of games in the township. The ordinance contains the following requirements:

• Prohibits minors from playing devices.
• Identity of any gaming table or device or other amusement device owner.
• License, application, investigation, fees and for the operations of any such devices.
• Fee of $500 per skill machine.
• Sticker to be placed on all such devices.
• Removal of unidentified or unlicensed gaming table or device or other amusement.
• Provides for inspection for compliance.

Nonprofit organizations are exempt from paying a fee but still require a license to offer skill games. Jefferson County is one of multiple jurisdictions in Pennsylvania that have started to take action. Earlier this month, Meadville City Council approved new zoning locations that limit the number of machines in the city.