HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP, Pa. — It’s the first Friday without skill games in the Commonwealth, and business owners tell Channel 11 they are already noticing a big difference.
Owners of Plaza News and Lottery in the Hopewell Shopping Center say Fridays used to mean big business. Tonight, it was just about empty.
“We should have four or five customers right here now that are not here,” Pat Schade said.
Schade owns the store in the Hopewell Shopping Center and another in neighboring Aliquippa.
“Business has already dropped 75%,” he said.
He also had a vending company that would install the games in other businesses and get half the profit. It’s now gone.
“We’re afraid we’re going to have to close one store and let six employees go. That’s what it looks like is going to happen,” Schade said.
That could change if the state legislature acts. Right now, nothing is imminent.
On Friday, Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday was asked about the state’s efforts in removing the machines.
“The Pennsylvania State Police are the ground-level enforcers for that statute. We would come into play in the event there would be a seizure of any type of equipment,” he said.
Meanwhile, Schade and co-owner Kerrie Caivano are trying to fight back.
“One week, do not sell lottery. If the state doesn’t want to bring skill games, do not sell lottery. If they take our money, we take it from them,” Schade said.
He told Channel 11 he’s been in touch with other businesses about the boycott.
“It seems like the small guys are the ones paying the price for it,” Tim Martz said. He and his wife Serena own McBride Station in Butler.
They credit Skill Games for saving them during the pandemic.
“I honestly think we should boycott the lottery so they can understand how bad they’re hurting us right now,” Serena said.
All of the owners who spoke to Channel 11 support legislation that would put in place a $500 per machine, per month fee. They oppose Governor Shapiro’s suggested 52% tax.
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