Pennsylvania State Police will begin seizing unlicensed skill game machines on October 14 after the state Supreme Court classified the devices as slot machines under Pennsylvania gaming law.
Businesses have until October 13 to remove the machines and related equipment. After that date, establishments that continue to possess or operate them could face criminal prosecution, seizure of proceeds and other penalties.
The June Supreme Court ruling placed skill games under rules that limit legal slot machine and video gaming terminal operations to licensed casinos and qualifying truck stop establishments using equipment approved by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.
Attorney General Dave Sunday has estimated that around 70,000 skill game machines operate across Pennsylvania, many of them in bars, convenience stores and social clubs.
Police Require Full Removal of Machines
State Police have made clear that temporarily disabling a device will not satisfy the law.
“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,” police said, as reported by Philly Voice.
Businesses should arrange for vendors or distributors to remove the machines, along with related equipment such as ticket redemption terminals.
Suppliers that refuse to collect their devices could also face criminal charges. Businesses in that situation have been advised to contact law enforcement.
Liquor licence holders can seek assistance from the Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement, while other establishments may contact local police or a State Police station.
Administrative action could also follow for licensed alcohol businesses, including citations that may result in fines or licence suspensions.
Lawmakers Have Yet to Reach Agreement
The enforcement date arrives without a new legislative framework for skill games.
Lawmakers have considered proposals addressing taxation, licensing fees and limits on the number of machines permitted at individual businesses, but no agreement has been reached.
One unresolved issue involves how potential tax revenue should be distributed, including whether part of it could support public transportation agencies such as SEPTA.
The legislative calendar leaves limited time for action. After October 7, the next scheduled session day for both chambers is October 19 unless additional days are added.
Business groups have argued that some establishments rely on skill game revenue.
“Those [businesses] with skill games are using the profits to pay bills, upgrade establishments to compete with newer license types, or offer benefits to employees,” said Jim DeLisio, Vice President of the Pennsylvania Licensed Beverage and Tavern Association, in a 2024 Pa. House Republican Policy Committee meeting.
He also said: “You need to know that past legislative actions seriously damaged many small business bars across the state and we hope to work with you to correct the situation.”
State Police have launched an information page with guidance and contact details for affected businesses.