Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro called for regulating and taxing skill games in his latest budget address, a proposal he says would raise tens of millions of dollars in revenue, but one that also places him at the center of a years-old battle for dominance of the gambling industry here.

The playing field involves three major interests—casinos, the video gaming terminal industry, and the makers of untaxed and unregulated skill games.

Pace-O-Matic said it welcomes regulation as long as skills games, like the ones it produces, are not overseen by the state's Gaming Control Board, as Shapiro proposed. Casinos and their lobbyists oppose the slot machine-like games, which they view as a direct threat to their earnings.

Speaking to reporters Thursday, Shapiro didn't offer additional specifics on his plan but said: "Lawmakers, stop talking about this issue and start working on it and see what we can do to bring in more revenue for the commonwealth.”

Read Spotlight PA’s full report: Shapiro wants to tax skill games. He must first navigate Pa.’s wealthy, warring gambling interests. 

PA MADE: What's the coolest thing made in Pennsylvania? The PA Chamber wants your nominations for this year’s “Coolest Things” competition. The deadline is today. Take a look at last year’s crop for inspiration.  

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FISH FRY-DAYS: Lent started this week, meaning the highly anticipated fish fry Fridays are back. Belt Magazine, in a 2022 piece, explains the origins of the Catholic tradition and how Pittsburgh became a “City of Cod.”