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The Cresson American Legion is losing several thousand dollars a month following Pennsylvania’s skill games ban, club commander Scott Eberhart told WJAC. A month after the ban, he said the loss has reduced community donations and hurt the club’s bar business.
Community donations shrink as replacement games fall short
Eberhart said the club has cut support for youth ball teams, Girl Scouts, libraries, and nonprofits as its funds have declined.
“And whereas maybe we made a $250 donation a pass, it’s $25 or less now because we just don’t have the funds,” he told WJAC.
The Legion is encouraging members to play small games of chance, including pull-tabs. But Eberhart said those games generate only 18% to 20% of the revenue the skill machines brought in.
The club has also lost bar income because customers who regularly visited to play the machines are coming less often, he said.
Despite those losses, Eberhart said he does not expect the Cresson American Legion to close. The impact, he said, is chiefly on its ability to support the community.
Legion commander calls for agreement in Harrisburg
Eberhart hopes Pennsylvania lawmakers can agree on a solution to the skill games issue. WJAC reported on Nov. 13 that, with 17 days remaining in the current legislative session, lawmakers were unlikely to revisit the issue or vote on a bill before the session ended.
The commander called for cooperation across party lines.
“So my wish is that they just all get along and come up with a solution,” Eberhart said.
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
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Source: As reported by WJAC.
This article was created with the assistance of AI and is monitored by our editorial team.
