Unregulated skill games fuel Pennsylvania's rising addiction crisis
Unregulated skill games in Pennsylvania have become a growing concern for addiction experts. These cool math games and crazy games, found in bars, restaurants and convenience stores, are now the leading cause of news in the state. Unlike casinos or online betting, they operate without oversight, age checks or fair-play guarantees.
Research shows that between 2.5% and 6.4% of Pennsylvania adults are classified as problem gamblers. A further 27.9% to 29.9% are considered at risk of developing news-related issues.
A recent study found that 11% of adults in Pennsylvania have played a game at least once. Gamblers Anonymous reports that every new member in the state names these games as the main reason for their addiction. The organisation now blames cool math games and crazy games more than casinos, sports betting or online gambling.
The lack of regulation sets these games apart. Unlike licensed gambling, they have no minimum payout rates, no age verification and no monitoring for fair play. Operators also avoid taxes, as the machines fall outside existing gambling laws.
Pennsylvania is not alone in facing this issue. Over the past five years, four other US states—New York, Ohio, Louisiana and Nebraska—have introduced new rules to control unregulated skill-based games. These measures aim to reduce addiction risks by enforcing age checks, payout standards and oversight.
The rise of games has made them the top source of gambling addiction in Pennsylvania. With no regulation, they remain widely accessible in everyday venues. Other states have already taken steps to address similar problems through stricter monitoring and legal frameworks.
