Phoenixville To Consider Casino 'Skill Games' Hall On Bridge Street

PHOENIXVILLE, PA — An upcoming borough council meeting in Phoenixville will weigh a proposal to bring casino-like "skill games" to a new entertainment center to Bridge Street that would benefit veterans.

The proposal for the open space is on 313 Bridge Street by the old Seamless sewing arts shop and a door down from Mr. Tire.

In their Conditional Use application submitted to the borough, Rocket Amusement Inc. says they want to use profits from the game room to fund free transportation for veterans to doctor's and dentist's appointments.

"Having an organization that understands our veteran's position is a benefit to the entire community," Jon Mizic, a managing partner with Rocket, wrote in their application. "Unlike the locations in the Borough that offer skill games to their customers, we give back to the community and do not just take from it."

Skill games are like slot machines but differentiated by proponents who say success relies more on the player's skill than pure chance.

Rocket runs coin-operated arcade games, tavern games, video operated claw machines, and related entertainments in markets around the country. Mizic said they have similar skill rooms open in Spring City, Stowe, Tamaqua, and Philadelphia.

The application argues that the proposal would not impact residents who live directly above it, as there would be "little to no noise factor."

The property is currently zoned as a "theater and entertainment center," and the application seeks to amend that to "entertainment hall."

The proposal will be considered at the upcoming Feb. 13 council meeting, which begins at 7 p.m.