PSP to businesses, establishments: Prepare for skill games decision deadline
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HARRISBURG -- The Pennsylvania State Police are offering guidance and recommendations to businesses and establishments that operate skill game machines, as it prepares for a compliance deadline.
The deadline came in June when the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled "skill game" devices, which are often found in taverns, restaurants, social clubs, mini-marts, gas stations, grocery stores, laundromats and more, are slot machines as defined by the state's Gaming Act.
"Slot machines are considered gambling devices under the Crimes Code, and a person commits a criminal offense by owning, operating or maintaining slot machines without a license issued by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB)," a release from PSP said.
Currently, only licensed casinos and qualifying licensed "truck stop establishments" can legally possess, operate and maintain slot machines or video gaming terminals which are inspected and approved by the PGCB.
"Therefore, all 'skill game' devices/slot machines throughout the Commonwealth outside of licensed casinos and truck stops are unlawful and all establishments possessing, operating and/or maintaining such machines are subject to criminal prosecution and immediate seizure of the machines as of Oct. 14, 2026," the release said.
The only way the seizure would be prevented is if state legislators find a way to incorporate skill game machines into the current Gaming Act. The Supreme Court gave the House and Senate until Oct. 13 to come to a decision.
"PSP and other law enforcement agencies may take enforcement action against businesses which continue to possess, operate and/or maintain such machines after that date," the release said. "Enforcement actions may include seizing and forfeiting the machines, associated equipment and money associated with the operation of the machines and/or filing criminal charges where deemed appropriate."
State police are recommending businesses that have skill game machines discuss their removal with a distributor or vendor who might own the machine and its equipment, including ticket redemption terminals.
"Simply powering off an otherwise operable machine or unplugging them is not sufficient to comply with the law. If a distributor or vendor is unwilling to remove machines, the establishment is encouraged to proactively reach out to PSP to assist in their removal to ensure compliance with applicable law," the release said.