Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) today announced that enforcement of Pennsylvania’s skill games law has begun, following the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania's decision and the expiration of the compliance deadline for businesses to remove unauthorized skill game devices from their premises.
Agreements with skill games distributors
PSP has entered into agreements with six skill games operators/distributors who are committed to complying with state law. Agreements with multiple other distributors are pending, all of whom have indicated a willingness to voluntarily comply with the law but have requested more time to do so.
These businesses have agreed to:
- Ensure devices are rendered inoperable beginning on October 14, 2026.
- Commit to removing machines from PA businesses on a continuing rolling basis.
- Provide a comprehensive list of all machines owned, including where they are located.
- Provide weekly status updates to PSP on removals.
- Consent that any machines that are not removed by the PSP provided timeline will be forfeited to PSP.
If these terms are agreed to, the PSP has offered to:
- Provide a timeline for completion of removals that is proportional to the amount of equipment promised to be removed.
- Delay seizure of machines by PSP until after that date.
Informational webpage and resources
PSP launched an informational webpage on pa.gov/psp/skillgames to provide businesses and establishments with additional resources and contact information regarding the skill games decision and compliance requirements.
Businesses and establishments with questions should use the following resources:
- Establishments with a liquor license: Contact the local Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement office for assistance.
- Establishments without a liquor license: Contact the local police department or PSP station for assistance.
If Pennsylvanians have a tip regarding skill game machines that you would like to report to law enforcement, please email tips@pa.gov or call 1-888-292-1919.
Enforcement information
On June 15, 2026, the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania ruled that skill games, often found in taverns, restaurants, social clubs, mini-marts, gas stations, grocery stores, laundromats, pizza parlors, and other businesses, are in fact “slot machines” as defined in the 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). Only licensed casinos and qualifying licensed “truck stop establishments” may legally possess and operate slot machines or video gaming terminals that have been inspected and approved for operation by the PGCB.
Further, pursuant to section 5513 of the Crimes Code, distributors and manufacturers of such machines are cautioned that it is a criminal offense to maintain, assemble, set up, make, sell or lease slot machines unless they are licensed and authorized to do so by the PGCB.
All “skill games” devices/slot machines located outside of PGCB-licensed businesses are unlawful and all establishments possessing, operating and/or maintaining such machines or associated equipment are subject to criminal prosecution and immediate seizure of the machines as of October 14, 2026.
The PSP and other law enforcement agencies may take enforcement action against businesses which continue to possess, operate and/or maintain such machines or associated equipment after that date.
Enforcement actions may include seizing and forfeiting the machines, associated equipment and proceeds associated with the operation of the machines and/or filing criminal charges when deemed appropriate.
The PSP strongly recommends that businesses currently hosting such machines discuss their immediate removal with any distributors or vendors who may own the machines and associated equipment, including ticket redemption terminals. Distributors, vendors and manufacturers refusing to remove their slot machines or associated equipment from businesses are reminded of the potential for criminal charges should they continue to maintain their slot machines or associated equipment at unlicensed locations.
As previously stated, powering off or unplugging an otherwise operable machine is not sufficient. To be clear, a slot machine does not cease being a slot machine if it has simply been turned off, unplugged, or temporarily disabled (including the removal of any hardware or software that may simply be replaced), allowing it to be readily operated. If a distributor or vendor is unwilling to remove its machines or associated equipment after the deadline, the establishment is encouraged to proactively inform PSP of the owner’s refusal, at the links noted above, to assist in their removal to ensure compliance with applicable law.
PSP and its law enforcement partners are well aware that in other states, there have been attempts to exploit perceived loopholes in law changes or court decisions by replacing machines which have been deemed unlawful with new or modified versions alleged by their proponents to be exempt and/or legal. PSP and its law enforcement partners will criminally investigate slot machines and any other gambling device or associated equipment, including any new devices that accept other forms of consideration other than cash, including credit cards, debit cards, or anything else of value. Criminal charges will be pursued against any manufacturer, distributor or business which manufactures, distributes, hosts, or operates such devices, given the Supreme Court’s resolute and unambiguous holding regarding slot machines and gambling devices other than those specifically authorized by the Gaming Act.
For more information about the Pennsylvania State Police, visit the PSP website.