PSP Reminds Companies and Establishments of the Talent Video games Resolution Deadline | State Police

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) reminds companies and institutions that proceed to function so-called “skill game” machines, concerning the upcoming compliance deadline of October 13, 2026, following the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania’s current choice.   

On June 15, 2026, the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania dominated that talent video games, usually present in taverns, eating places, social golf equipment, mini-marts, gasoline stations, grocery shops, laundromats, pizza parlors, and different companies, are in truth “slot machines” as outlined within the Gaming Act. Slot machines are thought-about playing units below the Crimes Code, and an individual commits a prison offense by proudly owning, working, or sustaining slot machines and not using a license issued by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB). Only licensed casinos and qualifying licensed “truck stop establishments” could legally possess and function slot machines or video gaming terminals which have been inspected and authorised for operation by the PGCB.  

Further, pursuant to part 5513 of the Crimes Code, distributors and producers of such machines are cautioned that it’s a prison offense to keep up, assemble, arrange, make, promote or lease slot machines except they’re licensed and approved to take action by the PGCB.  

All “skill games” units/slot machines positioned outdoors of PGCB-licensed companies are illegal and all institutions possessing, working and/or sustaining such machines are topic to prison prosecution and speedy seizure of the machines as of October 14, 2026. 

The PSP and different regulation enforcement businesses could take enforcement motion towards companies which proceed to own, function and/or preserve such machines after that date. 

Enforcement actions could embody seizing and forfeiting the machines, related tools and proceeds related to the operation of the machines and/or submitting prison costs when deemed acceptable.

The PSP strongly recommends that companies presently internet hosting such machines talk about their speedy removing with any distributors or distributors who could personal the machines and related tools, together with ticket redemption terminals. Distributors, distributors and producers refusing to take away their slot machines from companies are reminded of the potential for prison costs ought to they proceed to keep up units for operation.  

As beforehand said, powering off or unplugging an in any other case operable machine isn’t enough. To be clear, a slot machine doesn’t stop being a slot machine if it has merely been turned off, unplugged, or quickly disabled, permitting it to be readily operated. If a distributor or vendor is unwilling to take away operable machines after the deadline, the institution is inspired to proactively attain out to PSP to help of their removing to make sure compliance with relevant regulation.

Establishments can contact their native PSP Troop for additional info. 

For extra details about the Pennsylvania State Police, go to the PSP web site.