Representatives of Northeast Philadelphia social clubs, bars, and nonprofits gathered at a Knights of Columbus hall in East Torresdale on Thursday to urge state lawmakers to legalize skill game machines before a court-imposed Oct. 13 deadline. That deadline could force tens of thousands of the devices to go dark statewide.
The press conference included local politicians and video terminal manufacturers. It highlighted how small establishments in neighborhoods like Tacony and Feltonville have come to depend on the machines to cover operating costs and fund charitable programs. If the legislature fails to act, the terminals must be shut off and could be seized by state police.
Tacony fraternal club counts on every dollar
Shawn Anderson, president of the Ancient Order of Hibernians Division #39 in Tacony, said the Irish Catholic fraternal organization earns between $500 and $2,000 a month from its skill game terminals. He called that money critical to keeping the building open and funding holiday food drives for families.
“Whether it’s $100, $200, $1,000, that money every month allows us to keep our building open. It allows us to help feed all the families during the holidays. It really helps us keep going.”…