Pennsylvania Businesses Face Skill Games Compliance Deadline

PSP Issues Guidelines

The Pennsylvania State Police are providing guidance and recommendations to businesses and establishments that currently operate skill game machines to help them prepare for the upcoming compliance deadline following the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania’s recent decision.

The End of Unlicensed Skill Games in Pennsylvania

On June 15, 2026, the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania ruled “skill game” devices, 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.

Only licensed casinos and qualifying licensed “truck stop establishments” may legally possess, operate and maintain slot machines or video gaming terminals that have been inspected and approved for operation 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.

State lawmakers have until Oct. 13, 2026 to establish regulatory framework for oversight of the machines or they will be considered illegal.

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 money associated with the operation of the machines and/or filing criminal charges where deemed appropriate.

Unplugging Is Not Enough: PSP Urges Full Removal of Skill Games

The PSP strongly recommends that businesses currently hosting such machines discuss their removal with any distributors or vendors who may own the machines and associated 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.