Compliance Updates
Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court Says Pace-O-Matic’s Pennsylvania Skill Games Are Legal
Pace-O-Matic of Pennsylvania (POM of PA), the entity that markets Pennsylvania Skill games, received a substantial victory in today’s Commonwealth Court opinion, which makes clear our games are legal.
Matt Haverstick, Esq., who represented POM of PA in the lawsuit said, “The Commonwealth Court agreed that our games are presumptively legal. The injunction was denied for locations that have illegal gambling devices comingled with our legal POM games. We are seeking clarification that the injunction is still in place for locations that have only POM games. Ultimately, the Court was concerned that the injunction might hamper the Bureau of Liquor Control and Enforcement’s ability to conduct investigations into illegal gambling and slot machines where a POM machine may also be located. That is a position that POM of PA supports as we have been on the front lines pointing out the proliferation of illegal gambling devices and min-casinos.”
Click here to read the opinion.
The Court made it clear that they consider our games legal, “This Court recognizes that unless, or until, POM Games are considered to be illegal gambling devices under the Crimes Code, POM may suffer harms to its reputation and property interests as a result of the seizures.”
The Court also made it clear that they saw the difference between “POM machines” and illegal gambling operations, “The tiny fraction of POM machines that have been confiscated as part of larger investigations and confiscations into illegal gambling operations, and the fact that POM does not intend to challenge these isolated seizures as long as POM is not specifically targeted, the Court finds no improper conduct by the PSP that warrants the imposition of an injunction at this time.”
Pace-O-Matic Director of Communications Mike Barley added, “We understand the confusion that exists as law enforcement has a difficult time discerning between what is a legal skill game and what is an illegal gambling device. Our commitment is to continue working with the legislature to regulate, tax and provide strict enforcement of the legal skill game industry. The revenue we are providing to small businesses and fraternal clubs, the jobs that are being created and the tens of millions of dollars we have paid in taxes to the state prove that we are laying a solid foundation for the legal skill game industry that benefits Pennsylvania.”
Pace-O-Matic’s Pennsylvania Skill products are manufactured by Miele Manufacturing in Williamsport, which has created over 100 manufacturing and manufacturing-related positions in our Commonwealth. Additionally, Pennsylvania Skill games are helping to support and grow businesses that were struggling and are now thriving and creating jobs. The revenue generated by our games has become a lifeline to fraternal clubs and organizations across the Commonwealth, including American Legions, VFWs and local fire companies. Pennsylvania Skill has donated over $700,000 over the past year to local charities, including food banks, children’s hospitals and senior centers.
As part of our ongoing efforts to ensure compliance, Pace-O-Matic employs a team of former state troopers to enforce the terms of our contracts and our codes of conduct. These contracted terms limit the number of machines and where they are placed in a location and have protections in place to prevent anyone underage from playing our devices.
In 2014, the Beaver County Court of Common Pleas ruled Pace-O-Matic’s Pennsylvania Skill games are legal as games of predominant skill. That court decision can be found by clicking here.
SOURCE Pace-O-Matic
Compliance Updates
IAGR confirms new Board members
The International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR) has announced the appointment of four new trustees to its Board, each bringing unique expertise and leadership to strengthen IAGR’s global regulatory efforts:
- Anders Dorph, Danish Gambling Authority (Europe)
- Peter Kesitilwe Emolemo, Gambling Authority of Botswana (Africa)
- Kevin Mullally, General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (Asia/Oceania)
- Louis Rogacki, New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (North America)
IAGR President Ben Haden said, ‘I’m delighted to welcome our four new trustees to the IAGR Board. Their diverse expertise and leadership across different jurisdictions will bring fresh perspectives to our work, further strengthening our global approach to gaming regulation.
‘I look forward to collaborating with Peter, Louis, Kevin and Anders as we continue to foster innovation and drive forward effective, responsible regulation for the benefit of the global gaming community.
‘We also extend a big thank you to Trude Høgseth Felde and Mabutho Zwane for their dedicated service as they complete their terms on the Board, and I’m pleased to announce that Jason Lane will continue for another term as a Trustee.’
As a leading forum for gaming regulators worldwide, IAGR enables members to meet, share information, discuss legislative developments, exchange views and learn best practices in gaming regulation.
In recent news, IAGR has also confirmed that its 2025 annual conference will be held in Toronto, Canada, from 20 to 23 October 2025, with registrations opening in early 2025.
The post IAGR confirms new Board members appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Alpha Innovations
Internet Vikings Provides VMware License to Alpha Innovations
Internet Vikings, a licensed in-state hosting provider for iGaming and online sports betting, announces their partnership with Alpha Innovations, a provider of data center services. Under the agreement Internet Vikings will supply Alpha Innovations with VMware licensing through its VMware White Label solution.
Alpha Innovations, known for being a leading Managed Services Provider including cloud computing, data storage, and backup, has chosen to partner with Internet Vikings, a member of the Broadcom Premier Partnership program. This membership highlights Internet Vikings’ capabilities in supporting large-scale and highly regulated environments.
Internet Vikings will provide Alpha Innovations with the essential VMware license, an asset for their cloud offerings. This addition enhances Alpha Innovations’ capability to set up and maintain regulated and compliant cloud environments while upholding their high standards.
“The added value of our licensing solutions and support services aligns perfectly with Alpha Innovations’ needs,” said Rickard Vikström, CEO and Founder at Internet Vikings.
Douglas Tate, CEO at Alpha Innovations added, “As a leading Managed Service Provider (MSP), Alpha Innovations is always looking for ways to improve our service offerings. Our partnership with Internet Vikings is a win-win for our clients. By leveraging Internet Vikings’ VMware licensing solutions, we can offer our clients more flexible, scalable, and secure cloud solutions. This will ultimately help our clients achieve their business goals more efficiently and effectively.”
Both companies are committed to maintaining a transparent and mutually beneficial relationship, demonstrating how data centers and hosting providers can collaborate to meet the licensing needs of the industry.
Compliance Updates
MGA Issues First ESG Code Approval Seals to Licensees
The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has awarded its first-ever ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) Code Approval Seals to licensees in the online gaming sector, marking a milestone in the Authority’s commitment to promoting responsible and sustainable industry practices.
This initiative follows the launch of the voluntary ESG Code of Good Practice last year, which invited licensees to submit their ESG disclosure returns. The Code, which covers 19 topics categorised under Environmental, Social and Governance pillars, offers a strategic roadmap for online gaming companies to streamline their reporting efforts.
Following the first annual reporting cycle, 14 gaming operators have been awarded the ESG Code Approval Seal. The Code supports two levels of reporting: Tier 1, which establishes foundational ESG standards, and Tier 2, which represents a more aspirational approach.
Seals are valid for one year, with flexibility for renewal in the subsequent reporting period, allowing operators to advance or adapt their reporting tier year by year.
“We believe this initiative will significantly enhance the industry’s reputation and sustainability credentials,” MGA CEO Charles Mizzi said.
“By integrating ESG considerations into their operations, gaming companies not only contribute to the wellbeing of society and the environment but also strengthen the trust and confidence that consumers, investors, and regulators have in the industry. This initiative sends a clear message: sustainability, in the broadest sense of the word, is integral to the future of the gaming sector.”
The post MGA Issues First ESG Code Approval Seals to Licensees appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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