HARRISBURG, Pa. — Pennsylvania businesses that have “skill games” machines on their premises are being advised to have them removed by Oct. 14 or risk law enforcement action.
Attorney General Dave Sunday issued the guidance Tuesday, saying the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s ruling on the machines will allow enforcement to begin on that date. Unless state lawmakers take action before then, Pennsylvania State Police and other law enforcement agencies may act against businesses that continue to possess, operate or maintain the devices.
The court ruled in June that skill games meet the definition of slot machines under Pennsylvania’s Gaming Act. The decision overturned lower court rulings that had allowed the machines to operate in a legal gray area. The justices delayed enforcement for 120 days, giving the Legislature time to consider whether to regulate the games.
Under the ruling, the machines may be seized if they are located outside licensed casinos or licensed truck stops. Sunday said possible enforcement could include seizure and forfeiture of the machines, related equipment and money tied to their operation. Criminal charges could also be filed where appropriate.
Turning a machine off or unplugging it will not satisfy the requirement, the Attorney General’s Office said. The devices must be removed from the business. The office is urging business owners to contact their vendors or distributors and arrange for removal before the deadline. Distributors, vendors and manufacturers that continue to maintain machines for operation could also face potential criminal charges.
The machines are commonly found in bars, restaurants, social clubs, convenience stores and other businesses. The Attorney General’s Office has estimated that about 70,000 are operating across Pennsylvania.
The Supreme Court’s decision interpreted existing state law, but the court said the General Assembly remains free to take legislative action. Lawmakers have debated proposals to regulate and tax skill games, but the issue has been part of broader disagreements over how the devices should be treated.
The Attorney General’s Office said enforcement is scheduled to begin Oct. 14 unless the Legislature acts before then.
