Information provided by Pennsylvania State Police: 

On June 15, 2026, the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania ruled that skill games, often found in taverns, restaurants, social clubs, mini-marts, gas stations, grocery stores, laundromats, pizza parlors, and other businesses, are in fact “slot machines” as defined in the Gaming Act.

Slot machines are considered gambling devices under the Crimes Code. It is a criminal offense to own, operate, or maintain slot machines without a license issued by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB).

Further, pursuant to section 5513 of the Crimes Code, distributors and manufacturers of such machines are cautioned that it is a criminal offense to maintain, assemble, set up, make, sell or lease slot machines unless they are licensed and authorized to do so by the PGCB.

Under the Gaming Act, only licensed casinos and qualifying licensed “truck stop establishments” may legally possess and operate slot machines or video gaming terminals. Further, only machines that have been inspected and approved for operation by the PGCB may be located and operated within PGCB-licensed locations, including casinos and truck stops.

Businesses and establishments must arrange to have skill game devices and related equipment removed.

Enforcement

All skill games devices/slot machines located outside of PGCB-licensed businesses are unlawful and all establishments possessing, operating and/or maintaining such machines are subject to criminal prosecution and immediate seizure of the machines as of October 14, 2026.

PSP and other 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.

Enforcement actions may include:

• Seizing and forfeiting the machines and associated equipment
• Seizing proceeds associated with the operation of the machines
• Filing criminal charges when deemed appropriate
• Administrative citation filed against a liquor license, which may result in a fine and/or suspension of the license

For more information: Skill Games Resources | State Police | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Gaming Act: Title 4 - The Official Website of the Pennsylvania General Assembly