Skill Games Banned in Bensalem: A Controversial Decision Amid Safety Concerns
In a decision met with mixed reactions from the community, Bensalem, Pennsylvania, has officially banned skill games following a unanimous vote by the township council on Monday night. This move comes after two years of investigation and rising concerns about the safety and quality of life in the area, particularly in connection with these unregulated gaming machines.
Background of the Controversy
The township’s Public Safety Director, William McVey, presented the council with compelling reasons for the ban during the meeting, citing numerous complaints from residents about the proliferation of skill games across local businesses. In 2023, Bensalem had about 100 estimated skill games, but that number surged to 170 by 2024. These machines can commonly be found in delis, restaurants, bars, and convenience stores throughout the community.
McVey raised significant concerns regarding the unregulated nature of these skill games, claiming they have been linked to increased crime rates, including robberies and drug use. "We’ve seen a proliferation of these machines in all types of businesses and we’ve also seen it welcome a criminal element," McVey stated, emphasizing the potential public safety risks inherent to their presence.
Navigating the Exceptions
Despite the comprehensive ban, the township council introduced exceptions for businesses and clubs that hold active state-issued liquor licenses. Under these conditions, establishments will be required to monitor gaming areas using video surveillance, and skill games must be placed in areas visible to employees and inaccessible to children.
Local legal experts noted that this regulatory approach is designed to parallel Senate Bill 1142, which is currently being considered in the Pennsylvania Senate. The intent is to establish a framework that not only protects local businesses but also enhances public safety.
Diverse Reactions from Business Owners
The ordinance has not been without its critics, especially from business owners like Anthony Ricciardi, who operates a family-owned mini-mart and gas station in Bensalem. Ricciardi expressed his disappointment, highlighting that the four skill machines in his store provided essential supplementary income. "As a small family-owned convenience store, we work off tight margins on our products, so this is just one of those extra things that helps us with the bills and payroll," he explained.
In contrast, many local officials, including Bucks County District Attorney Jennifer Schorn, supported the ban, arguing that businesses with skill games are targets for criminal activity. Schorn noted, "Victims of violent crimes always say, ‘I didn’t think it would happen to me until it did,’ and as much as [business owners] believe their establishments are safe, we know criminals target these facilities because they know they’re not regulated."
Industry Response and Economic Implications
The ban garnered immediate responses from industry representatives such as Mike Barley, a spokesman for PA Skill. Barley criticized the council for what he described as an ineffective measure that could harm small, family-owned businesses that rely on revenue from skill games. He voiced a desire for legislative action that adequately regulates gaming activity rather than outright bans.
Barley stated, "We advocate for what Gov. Josh Shapiro supports: skill game regulation and taxation legislation that will rid neighborhoods of illegal gambling machines without harming law-abiding business owners." His contention lies in the belief that proper regulation rather than prohibition could strike a better balance between community safety and economic viability.
Next Steps and Implications for the Community
The ordinance, effective in 10 days, introduces a new legal landscape for Bensalem’s business owners. During this grace period, township officials will work to inform potentially affected businesses about compliance requirements. Notably, instead of seizing machines, the town plans to employ fines and penalties for non-compliance.
The Bensalem decision aligns with similar actions by nearby municipalities, including Philadelphia, which implemented its own ban on skill games earlier this year due to comparable concerns about crime and public safety.
Conclusion
The ban on skill games in Bensalem illustrates the ongoing tension between public safety and economic interests in local communities across Pennsylvania. As Bensalem navigates this new regulation, it will be crucial to monitor both the community’s safety metrics and the impact on local businesses that depend on these games for revenue. While the council’s proactive stance aims to safeguard residents, the broader implications for small business sustainability remain a vital topic of discussion within the township.
