(WHTM) — As Pennsylvania state lawmakers try to finalize an overdue budget, they’re also trying to properly tax and regulate skill games. Pennsylvania previously authorized gaming machines in truck stops, and the folks who own them hope any new law will include them.

In Pennsylvania, truck stops have these video gaming terminals, or VGTs, made legal by Act 42 of 2017. They are taxed and regulated like slot machines in casinos.

“The public as a whole really enjoys gaming, entertainment, and truckers are no different from that,” said Matt Hortenstine of J&J Ventures Gaming. “From my perspective, we played by the rules. The legislature established a regulatory structure. We came to Pennsylvania in good faith and good corporate citizens, and we followed the rules. ”

Hortenstine distributes VGTs in multiple states. In Pennsylvania, his machines can only go in truck stops, while so-called “skill games” have popped up everywhere.

“We pay a 54% tax. They pay zero tax,” Hortenstine said. “So it’s not a fair, competitive, or even playing field. The marketplace, that’s the frustration. Those who played by the rules are being penalized. Those who subverted the rules, or at least ignored them, got an advantage. We don’t think that’s fair.”

Hortenstine hopes lawmakers remember VGTs as they try to tax and regulate skill games and urges legislators to allow all machines in all places, including legions and VFWs in other states.

State Senator Dan Laughlin (R-Erie) agrees that VGTs are treated unfairly. He also wants to offer a fair warning to anyone who plays them, as well as slots or skill games.

“It’s certainly not a level playing field, and that needs to change,” said Laughlin. “We have warning labels on cigarettes that they’re bad for your health. I think when you put money into one of these machines, it should be a warning that you will probably lose.”