Pennsylvania State Police to confiscate unlicensed skill games from Oct. 14
Pennsylvania State Police have set an Oct. 13, 2026 deadline for businesses to remove skill game devices, now classified as slot machines by the state Supreme Court.
Pennsylvania businesses given deadline to remove skill games ahead of seizure campaign
Pennsylvania State Police will begin seizing unlicensed "skill game" devices from businesses across the state on 14 October 2026, nbcphiladelphia.com reports. Officials announced on Thursday that business owners have until 13 October 2026 to remove any such device from their premises.
The deadline follows a June ruling by the state Supreme Court, which determined that skill game machines meet the legal definition of "slot machines" under Pennsylvania's gaming act. As a result, operating these devices without a licence from the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board will be illegal.
Skill game devices are widely found across the state — in taverns, pizza parlours, mini-marts, social clubs, gas stations, grocery stores and restaurants, officials noted. Under the new enforcement framework, only licensed casinos and qualifying, licensed truck stop establishments will be permitted to possess, operate and maintain slot machines or gaming terminals that have been inspected and approved by the Gaming Control Board.
Pennsylvania State Police warned that business owners could face prosecution for continuing to operate unlicensed skill games past the October deadline. Alongside device seizures, law enforcement may also seize money associated with the operation of the machines, and criminal charges could be filed where appropriate.
Officials stressed that simply unplugging or switching off the machines after the deadline will not constitute sufficient compliance with the law. Businesses are advised to arrange removal of the devices directly with the distributors or vendors who own them.
Any business owner whose vendor or distributor refuses to retrieve the machines by 13 October 2026 is asked to contact the Pennsylvania State Police through the agency's website.
Source: Google News MT — Crime (en)