Pennsylvania State Police open tip line for illegal skill games after October 14 enforcement deadline

The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) have launched a public reporting channel for suspected illegal skill games, following the passing of the October 14 enforcement deadline. Members of the public can report suspected violations by e-mail or phone. Businesses that continue to keep the machines on their premises face criminal charges, equipment seizures and confiscation of related proceeds.

The enforcement step follows a Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruling of June 15, 2026, which placed skill games within the state's legal definition of slot machines. The court delayed implementation until October 14 to give companies time to take the devices off the market. Under state law, slot machines may only be located at venues licensed by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB). Licensed casinos and qualifying licensed truck stops can continue to operate approved gaming machines, while bars, restaurants, convenience stores, grocery stores and social clubs cannot.

The PSP stated that switching a machine off does not count as removal. Devices must be taken off the premises, even if they are out of order or unpowered. Authorities may seize machines and equipment, take money generated by them and file criminal charges where appropriate. Establishments holding liquor licenses could also face administrative action, including fines or license suspensions. Businesses struggling to arrange removal were advised to contact their equipment suppliers and distributors.

The scale of the task is considerable, with an estimated 70,000 skill game machines operating in Pennsylvania before the restrictions. No legislative agreement exists to keep them running within a regulated system. Lawmakers have discussed proposals to legalize and tax the games, but disagreements over licensing fees, taxation and regulatory requirements have blocked a compromise. Governor Josh Shapiro has called on Republican leaders in the state Senate to advance legislation creating a legal framework for the sector.

The economic stakes are significant for small businesses and community groups that relied on skill game income, including American Legion and VFW posts, volunteer fire companies, emergency service organizations and fraternal clubs. Pace-O-Matic, a leading skill game software provider, said the loss of machine revenue could add pressure on these organizations and local businesses. Host venues typically keep a share of machine revenue, with the remainder divided between manufacturers and service providers.

The Pennsylvania General Assembly's 2026 legislative session ends on November 30, leaving lawmakers a narrow window to reach a legislative solution.