The proverb “The enemy of my enemy is my friend” explains how Pace-O-Matic, the maker of Pennsylvania “Skill Games,” is suddenly allied with the state’s brick-and-mortar casino industry. They unite against the high-powered push to widely legalize more video gaming terminals – VGTs – throughout the Commonwealth.

During their reconvened session, the Virginia General Assembly approved Governor Ralph Northam’s amendments to skill game legislation, which would allow for a ban on the machines to be delayed one year.

The reign of the “Queen of Virginia” across the Commonwealth’s bars, convenience stores and truck stops seemed all but over less than two months ago. Now? Several thousand devices across the state that resemble a slot machine on the outside appear poised for a reprieve thanks to a pandemic.

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam wants businesses to retain skill game machines — similar to slot machines — for at least a year in the wake of the COVID-19 economic slowdown, and he is asking the General Assembly to begin taxing revenues the machines would generate.

State police in Pennsylvania are out in force to crack down on what they consider unregulated gambling machines. Pace-O-Matic is already challenging these actions they have taken against legally defendable games of skill in the court of law.