Pennsylvania skill games must leave bars and shops by 14 October

Businesses in Pennsylvania that host skill games must have the machines removed by 14 October 2026 or risk criminal prosecution and immediate seizure. The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) set out the position on its skill games resources page, following a ruling by the state Supreme Court on 15 June 2026 that skill games are “slot machines” as defined in the Gaming Act.

Under the Gaming Act, only licensed casinos and qualifying licensed truck stop establishments may operate slot machines. Machines there must also be inspected and approved by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB), the state gambling regulator.

The details

• Who is covered: every business hosting such machines, from taverns and social clubs to mini-marts, gas stations, laundromats and pizza parlors.
• Distributors and manufacturers: under section 5513 of the Crimes Code, it is a criminal offence to make, sell, lease or maintain slot machines without a PGCB licence. The PSP reminds them of possible charges if they keep machines in place.
• Powered off is not removed: the PSP says a machine stays a slot machine if it is turned off, unplugged or temporarily disabled and can readily be operated again.
• Ticket redemption terminals: the PSP includes them among the equipment hosts should discuss removing with their vendors.

What enforcement can include

• Seizure and forfeiture of machines and equipment.
• Seizure of proceeds linked to the machines.
• Criminal charges “when deemed appropriate”.
• An administrative citation against a liquor licence, which may bring a fine or suspension.

What’s next

The PSP and other agencies may act against businesses that still hold machines after that date. If a vendor will not collect operable machines, the PSP encourages the host to contact it for help. Hosts with a liquor licence are directed to their local Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement office; those without one, to their local PSP station.