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Pittsburgh council advances tax and licensing on 'skill games,' adds amendment to protect arcades
Summary
Council approved an ordinance imposing a tax and licensing regime on mechanical amusement devices (commonly called 'skill games'), amending the measure to cap machines at 10 per existing arcade to avoid penalizing licensed operators; sponsors said the move would both raise revenue and provide local regulation as the state considers its own action.
Pittsburgh City Council voted in committee to approve an ordinance aimed at licensing and taxing mechanical amusement devices, often called 'skill games,' and adopted an amendment to protect existing licensed arcades.
Sponsor Councilman Wilson framed the proposal as both a revenue measure and a local regulatory step while the state reviews how it will classify and tax such machines. After an amendment to cap covered machines at 10 per established arcade—intended to avoid penalizing existing amusement‑arcade operators—the committee approved the bill as amended.
Opponents and some council members described the devices as predatory. "These are predatory devices taking advantage of an addiction," Councilman Shartland said, urging stricter limits or an outright ban. Supporters responded that the measure offers regulation and revenue and that state action is likely; sponsors said municipal tax revenue could be used for community priorities if the state does not preempt local authority.
Members noted uncertainty about the state supreme court proceedings and possible statewide tax proposals; the sponsor said passing a city ordinance preserves local options and positions the city to collect revenue if state action permits.
The committee passed the amended bill with an affirmative recommendation, and council later recorded final passage during the reconvened session. The sponsor indicated further briefings will be scheduled to outline implementation steps and collection mechanics.
