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Bill

HB 2213

An Act providing for skill video gaming; imposing duties on the Department of Revenue; providing for issuance of licenses for skill video gaming; imposing a fee and criminal and civil penalties; and providing for zoning.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jamie Barton and 28 co-sponsors

Pennsylvania would legalize skill-based video gaming with state licensing, fees, and penalties while allowing local zoning controls over venue locations.

Referred to Gaming Oversight
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2213

Legislative bill overview

HB 2213 would legalize and regulate skill-based video gaming in Pennsylvania by establishing a licensing framework under the Department of Revenue. The bill creates requirements for zoning, fee structures, and enforcement mechanisms with both criminal and civil penalties for violations.

Why is this important

This bill addresses a gray area in gaming law where skill-based arcade games operate in a legal limbo between traditional gambling and entertainment. The legalization could generate tax revenue for the state, provide regulatory clarity for business owners, and reduce legal uncertainty around these increasingly popular gaming machines.

Potential points of contention

  • Gambling expansion concerns: Opponents may view skill gaming as a disguised form of gambling that normalizes wagering, particularly if prizes involve cash payouts rather than tickets/merchandise
  • Youth access and addiction: Questions about age restrictions, enforcement at venues, and whether skill gaming targets younger players who may develop gambling habits
  • Zoning and neighborhood impact: Local communities may resist concentration of skill gaming venues in their areas due to concerns about crime, traffic, and quality of life
  • Tax revenue vs. social costs: Debate over whether licensing fees and tax revenue offset costs of addiction treatment, enforcement, and other social impacts
  • Definition clarity: "Skill" versus "chance" distinctions can be legally murky and subject to litigation if the bill's definitions are ambiguous

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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