Episode Details

Pittsburgh’s City Council just passed a bold new tax on “skill games” — the flashy machines you see at gas stations and corner stores — plus claw machines and pinball, aiming to snag $2 to $3 million annually before the state steps in. Councilmember Anthony Coghill raced to get it done, fearing state takeover could nullify local control. While some council members, like Bob Charland, call these games a “pox” on neighborhoods and want them banned, the tax is seen as a practical compromise. A cap of ten machines per business protects existing arcades, and the revenue stream offers hope amid city budget woes — especially since it doesn’t rely on property owners. With the state’s July budget deadline looming, this move could be the city’s last shot at capturing this cash before losing control entirely.

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