Overview
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. It is a criminal offense to own, operate, or maintain slot machines without a license issued by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (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.
Under the Gaming Act, only licensed casinos and qualifying licensed “truck stop establishments” may legally possess and operate slot machines or video gaming terminals. Further, only machines that have been inspected and approved for operation by the PGCB may be located and operated within PGCB-licensed locations, including casinos and truck stops.
Businesses and establishments must arrange to have skill game devices and related equipment removed.
If you have skill game devices after the deadline
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.
PSP and other law enforcement agencies may take enforcement actions against businesses which continue to possess, distribute, operate and/or maintain skill game devices after the compliance deadline.
Enforcement actions may include:
- Seizing and forfeiting the machines and associated equipment
- Seizing proceeds associated with the operation of the machines
- Filing criminal charges when deemed appropriate
- Administrative citation filed against a liquor license, which may result in a fine and/or suspension of the license
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 devices for operation.
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, allowing it to be readily operated. If a distributor or vendor is unwilling to remove operable machines after the deadline, the establishment is encouraged to proactively reach out to PSP to assist in their removal to ensure compliance with applicable law.
You have skill game devices and HAVE a liquor license
Contact your local Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement office for assistance.
You have skill game devices but DO NOT have a liquor license
Contact your local PSP Station for assistance:
- Use our Troop Directory to find a station near you, or
- Search for your station by name or county