PA State Police Warns Businesses of October 13 Skill Games Deadline

On September 9, Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) issued enforcement guidance to businesses that currently host skill game machines of an approaching compliance deadline resulting from a Pennsylvania Supreme Court decision.

On June 15, 2026, the Court ruled that skill game devices are “slot machines” under Pennsylvania’s Gaming Act. Because slot machines are considered gambling devices, they may only be operated under a license issued by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board. The Court stayed its decision for 120 days, giving the General Assembly until October 13 to establish a new regulatory framework.

Unless a new law is enacted, skill games located outside licensed casinos and qualifying truck stops will become unlawful on October 14. Businesses that continue to possess or operate the machines could face seizure and forfeiture of the machines, related equipment and proceeds, as well as possible criminal charges.

PSP recommends that businesses contact their skill game vendors or distributors now to arrange for removal. Simply unplugging or powering off an operable machine will not satisfy the requirement. If a vendor refuses to remove a machine, PSP advises the business to contact the agency for assistance. Read the PSP notification.

Legislative Proposals Remain Pending

The General Assembly could change this outcome by passing legislation before the October 13 deadline. The principal pending proposals take significantly different approaches:

• Senate Bill 756 would regulate skill games through the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board and impose a 35% tax on gross terminal revenue, plus a regulatory assessment. Eligibility for a skill games establishment license would be structured primarily around businesses holding qualifying Pennsylvania liquor licenses. The bill also includes limited eligibility for authorized Pennsylvania Lottery retailers, but liquor licensing would serve as the primary basis for determining the number and availability of skill game permits.
• House Bill 2213 / Senate Bill 1079 would regulate the machines through the Department of Revenue and Pennsylvania Lottery. It would impose a $500 monthly fee per machine rather than a percentage tax and generally allow up to five machines at qualifying Lottery or liquor-licensed establishments. The PPA is supportive of this legislation because it would provide all convenience stores the opportunity to obtain a skills game permit.
  • CLICK HERE to contact your Senator and House member in support of HB 2213 and SB 1079
• House Bill 2557 focuses primarily on consumer protections, including age verification, centralized monitoring, player loss limits and self-exclusion. Of particular concern to PPA members, the bill would expressly prohibit skill games at gas stations and convenience stores.

None of these bills has advanced beyond committee as of September 14. Unless legislation is enacted or the Court’s deadline is otherwise changed, businesses should prepare to comply with the October 14 prohibition. PPA will continue monitoring legislative activity and provide members with updates if the General Assembly reaches an agreement.