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Sen. Chris Gebhard, a vocal supporter of taxing Pennsylvania skill games, won his Republican primary race against Chris Clove earlier this week.
Gebhard will now look to retain his seat representing the 48th District in November. The senator has been active in the ongoing skill games debate, introducing legislation last year that would tax the machines at 35%.
He is among several Pennsylvania lawmakers pushing to regulate and tax skill games, though proposals continue to differ widely on the appropriate rate.
Confirming position on skill games
There have been arguments made from the regulated industry that skill games cut into Pennsylvania retail casinos‘ revenue.
Skill games manufacturers, including Pace-O-Matic (POM), have repeatedly disputed those claims, instead pointing to competition from Pennsylvania real money online casinos. Despite that, POM is still seeking regulation at a reasonable tax rate.
Gebhard confirmed his position on skill games, telling LancasterOnline that he’s not interested in unregulated skill games.
Explaining the tax
Gebhard did not immediately respond to PlayPennsylvania‘s request for comment on his skill games tax, whether or not he’s flexible.
The Senator did express openness to move the rate. He said back in June 2025:
“I’ve thought for a long time that the sweet spot can certainly land somewhere between the mid- to upper 20s, maybe 30%.
“Really, we are basically in the first three innings of the game, and we have a tremendously long way to go before we get to wherever we’re going to settle. For people to turn the conversation as negatively as they have, I think, is doing nothing to help us achieve a positive outcome.”
Gebhard chose 35% because it’s right in the middle of Senator Gene Yaw’s proposition at 16% and 54%, which is where retail slots are taxed.
Met with opposition
Gebhard’s rate has come under scrutiny by POM and small business owners. Mike Barley, POM Chief of Public Affairs, told PlayPennsylvania last year:
“Senator Gebhard is not listening to business owners and fraternal groups suffering financially from an unstable economy and the skyrocketing cost of food and other goods.
“Local fire departments in the senator’s own district say skill game revenue is essential to their community protection efforts, and they can’t do enough fundraising to keep up with financial demands. They are grateful to have skill games to help with ever-increasing costs.”
POM has sided with Yaw’s proposal of a 16% tax, which it believes is fair for small businesses.
With Gebhard advancing to the general election in November, Pennsylvania’s skill games debate is expected to remain a major topic.
