Games of skill vs. games of chance

(Harrisburg) — Two different types of casino games exist in Pennsylvania and state lawmakers are trying to sort through whether the definitions are accurate.

Games of chance – like slot machines – are regulated by the commonwealth, with a guaranteed amount returned to players and inspections required.

Games of skill, however, like blackjack – are largely just watched over by the casinos themselves.

“And we’ll have to ask ourselves the question, do we, in the new piece of legislation we’re working on, need to have a clarification on what is a game of skill, what is a game of chance, and does Pennsylvania not regulate all the games?” says Representative John Payne, chairman of the House Gaming Oversight Committee and a Dauphin County Republican.

Legislation could also add a tax to games of skill, similar to games of chance, but regulators warn that could be difficult to implement and enforce.

Meanwhile, the state Supreme Court is considering a case that could make games of skill legal in bars and clubs.