The Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office has estimated that over 70,000 skill game devices are operating across the state. However, law enforcement is preparing to enforce a crack down on these machines following a Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruling declaring them illegal slot machines.
Starting October 14, state troopers and law enforcement personnel may begin enforcing actions which could lead to criminal prosecutions and the seizure of these machines from unauthorized locations. Bucks County District Attorney’s Office has stated they will collaborate with state police, who are leading the effort.
The devices, found in a variety of businesses including bars and gas stations, are considered gambling devices under the state’s Gaming Act. Operating them without a license from the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board constitutes a criminal offense. Only licensed casinos and approved truck stops can legally operate these devices.
This enforcement action follows a ruling from June where the Pennsylvania Supreme Court defined these skill machines as slot machines, lifting a 120-day stay to give lawmakers a chance to regulate them, which expired on October 13.
Governor Josh Shapiro has previously proposed a 52% tax rate on skill games to generate additional revenue for the state’s general fund, a proposal that has garnered mixed reactions from lawmakers. With these skill games bringing significant revenue to local businesses, there is concern about their potential disappearance and the negative impact it may have on establishments that rely on them.
