City zoning board to review proposed gaming room next week – Hazleton Standard Speaker

Hazleton Zoning Board to Vote on Special Exception for Skill Gaming Room

The Hazleton Zoning Hearing Board is set to vote on a special exception for a proposed gaming room at 124 E. Broad St. during its meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 20 at City Hall. The application, filed by Julian Salas of JA Salas Management, aims to open a facility featuring skill machines. These machines, resembling slot machines, operate similarly, where players wager money in games involving spinning reels.

Previous Denial and New Plans

In November, the application was denied due to the location being in a central commercial district, a zoning area intended for retail businesses and services that support pedestrian traffic. Hazleton City Solicitor Sean Logston explained that the zoning is meant to preserve the neighborhood’s character and provide essential goods and services in the downtown area.

Salas, however, remains optimistic. He has assured the board that the gaming room will not sell alcohol and will operate without a liquor license. There will be no BYOB allowed. Salas plans to set up 15 to 20 skill machines, operating from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. He also mentioned that food sales would be limited to snacks, like peanuts.

Concerns and Considerations

The Zoning Hearing Board is particularly focused on several factors, including parking, lighting, noise, and whether the facility will serve food or alcohol. Salas’s wife, Kimberly Valladares, who assisted with translation, clarified that there would be no music or additional lighting beyond what is already on the building. The building does have parking for approximately seven vehicles on the side, she added.

While the business plan has been straightforward, the issue of skill machines has sparked debate. Hazleton Mayor Jeff Cusat expressed little concern, pointing out that similar machines can be found in various local establishments, including grocery stores, bars, and gas stations.

Statewide Attention on Skill Machines

The skill machine issue has broader implications. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro recently addressed the state’s skill gaming industry, which currently has about 70,000 machines in operation. Shapiro proposed a 52% tax on the gross revenue of these machines, with a portion going to the state’s general fund and the rest directed to the Lottery fund. This new tax could potentially bring in $8 billion in new revenue over five years.

While the state Supreme Court is expected to rule soon on whether skill machines are considered gambling devices, the outcome could significantly impact how these businesses are regulated in the future. Logston noted that the court’s decision would have a major effect on whether the machines are classified as gambling devices, which could lead to new regulations or taxes.

The Controversy of Skill Games in Hazleton

The city’s police chief, Brian Schoonmaker, raised concerns about the potential risks associated with skill gaming businesses. He pointed to a tragic incident in 2020 when a robbery at Craig’s Food Mart led to the killing of the store’s owner, Askokkumar Patel, by a patron who frequented the store to play video poker.

This incident has left some in the community wary of the potential for crime tied to skill gaming operations. However, Salas emphasized that his business would be closely monitored, with security cameras and an employee on site at all times to oversee the operation.

A Community Divided

As the Zoning Hearing Board prepares to vote, the future of skill gaming in Hazleton remains uncertain. While some see it as a harmless form of entertainment already prevalent in many local businesses, others are concerned about its impact on the neighborhood. The vote could shape the city’s approach to skill games for years to come.

Residents and business owners alike are encouraged to attend the meeting on Feb. 20 to voice their opinions and stay informed about this important decision. Will the Zoning Hearing Board approve the special exception? Only time will tell.