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HARRISBURG -- Pennsylvania State Police have begun enforcing the state’s ban on unauthorized skill games, with six distributors agreeing to remove machines from businesses following a state Supreme Court ruling that classified the devices as illegal slot machines.
The enforcement effort began Wednesday, Oct. 14, following the expiration of a deadline for businesses to remove unauthorized machines from their premises.
State police announced agreements with six skill games operators and distributors that have committed to complying with state law. Agreements with several additional distributors are pending, with those companies indicating they are willing to comply but need more time to remove their equipment.
Under the agreements, distributors must render their machines inoperable beginning Oct. 14 and remove them from Pennsylvania businesses on a continuing basis.
Participating distributors also must provide state police with a comprehensive inventory of their machines and locations, submit weekly progress reports and agree to forfeit any machines not removed within the established timeline.
In exchange, state police will provide removal deadlines based on the amount of equipment involved and delay seizures until those deadlines have passed.
The enforcement action follows a June 15 ruling by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court determining that skill games qualify as slot machines under the state’s Gaming Act.
The devices are commonly found in taverns, restaurants, social clubs, convenience stores, gas stations, laundromats and other establishments.
Under Pennsylvania law, slot machines and video gaming terminals may be operated only by licensed casinos and qualifying licensed truck stop establishments, subject to approval by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.
Businesses that continue to possess or operate unauthorized machines after Oct. 14 could face criminal charges, equipment seizures and forfeiture of proceeds associated with the machines.
State police emphasized that simply unplugging or turning off a machine does not satisfy the law. Machines must be removed or rendered inoperable in a manner that prevents them from being readily returned to service.
Businesses hosting the devices are encouraged to contact their distributors or vendors to arrange immediate removal. Establishments whose vendors refuse to remove machines should notify state police.
The agency also warned manufacturers and distributors against attempting to circumvent the ruling by introducing modified gambling devices or machines that accept alternative forms of payment, including credit or debit cards.
State police said such devices will remain subject to investigation and potential criminal prosecution.
The agency has established an informational website at pa.gov/psp/skillgames to provide guidance on compliance requirements.
Businesses with liquor licenses should contact their local Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement office for assistance. Establishments without liquor licenses may contact their local police department or state police station.
Residents can report information about unauthorized skill games by emailing tips@pa.gov or calling 1-888-292-1919.