Skill games will be illegal in Pennsylvania Oct. 14 after the state Supreme Court on Oct. 9 denied several lawmakers’ request for an extension to pass a law regulating the machines popular in social clubs, bars, restaurants and gas stations.
Here’s what that will mean across the state.
Removing skill games machines from businesses
The Pennsylvania State Police have notified businesses with the machines to have them removed. Simply unplugging or storing them is not sufficient, officials have warned.
State police launched a new informational webpage at pa.gov/psp/skillgames to provide businesses and establishments with additional resources regarding the skill games decision and compliance requirements.
“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,” state police wrote on the page.
What enforcement actions could include:
- Seizing and forfeiting the machines and associated equipment;
- seizing proceeds associated with the operation of the machines;
- filing criminal charges when deemed appropriate, and
- citing a liquor license, which may result in a fine and/or suspension of the license.
How did we get here?
In June, the same court said the games are considered slot machines, which are only permitted in the 17 casinos the state Gaming Control Board oversees.
The ruling gave the state Legislature until Oct. 13 to form a law regulating skill games. Lawmakers essentially balked, despite proposals in the Senate and House.
