Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) reminds businesses and establishments that continue to operate so-called “skill game” machines, about the upcoming compliance deadline of October 13, 2026, following the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania’s recent decision.
The PSP has launched a new 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.
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 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 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 from businesses are reminded of the potential for criminal charges should they continue to maintain their slot machines 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 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.
For more information about the Pennsylvania State Police, visit the PSP website.