Pace-O-Matic (POM), a major player in the skill games sector, has inked a licensing agreement with Fremantle to introduce “Family Feud”-themed skill games. This move will bring the beloved television game show to various storefronts, bars, and fraternal halls across the United States. The announcement marks another chapter for the iconic game show, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary.
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Pace-O-Matic Secures Fremantle Deal
The Georgia-based company, Pace-O-Matic, has secured a notable licensing deal with Fremantle, the producer behind “Family Feud” since 2002. POM President and CEO Paul Goldean expressed enthusiasm, stating the game show is “jam-packed with high-energy entertainment that lets you test your survey-based knowledge with a side of comedy gold.” He emphasized the skill required to win, aligning perfectly with POM’s offerings. The new skill games are scheduled to debut in the coming weeks, aiming to capture the nostalgic appeal and competitive edge of the show.
Broader Licensing Strategy
“Family Feud,” originally created in 1976, has seen a resurgence in licensing deals as it marks half a century on the air. Fremantle hasn’t only partnered with POM but also expanded into digital gaming. Last year, BetMGM entered the fold with a deal to bring “Family Feud” slots and table games to its iGaming platform. This agreement also included rights to “The Price Is Right,” another of Fremantle’s popular TV properties. Playtech, meanwhile, has held exclusive rights to “Family Feud”-branded slot machines since 2023. These moves indicate a strategic push to capitalize on well-known TV brands in various gaming formats.
Regulatory Hurdles for Skill Games
Despite the promising expansion, POM faces major legal challenges. Recently, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled that skill games constitute illegal slot machines under state law, dealing a blow to POM’s operations in its largest market. The court found that POM’s games still fall within the legal definition of slot machines, despite arguments to the contrary. Without legislative intervention, the company will be forced to shut down operations in Pennsylvania by October 28 when the court’s stay expires. POM’s attempts to regain a foothold in Virginia were similarly unsuccessful after the state’s Supreme Court deemed its games illegal, and legislative support fell through.
Uncertain Future in Key Markets
POM continues to operate in uncertain legal environments in several states, including Wyoming, Texas, Illinois, and Kansas, under various brand names. While efforts to clarify the legal status of skill games are ongoing, the risk remains pronounced. Legislative changes could be on the horizon, but their timing and potential outcomes are uncertain. But industry insiders know this isn’t POM’s first brush with regulatory issues, and the debate over skill games versus traditional slot machines persists nationwide. Looking ahead, POM’s focus will likely be on navigating these regulatory landscapes while maximizing the potential of its new “Family Feud” offerings. The debut of these skill games in the coming weeks will be closely watched by both industry players and regulators as POM attempts to maintain its market presence amidst legal scrutiny.
Eri Gaitu leads the news desk at Best in Slot, tracking breaking developments across the gambling world in real time. From exclusive bonus offers and casino launches to licensing updates and regulatory shifts, Eri ensures readers are always first to know about the changes that matter to their gaming experience.
