PA skill-games ban takes effect after Supreme Court ruling
Pennsylvania State Police say the state Supreme Court ruled on June 15, 2026 that “skill games” qualify as slot machines under the Gaming Act, making unlicensed devices illegal and subject to seizure and criminal penalties.
On June 15, 2026 the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled that so‑called skill games are slot machines under the Gaming Act, meaning possession, operation or distribution without a Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) license is a criminal offense. Only PGCB‑licensed casinos and qualifying truck stops may operate approved machines; businesses must remove unapproved devices by the October 14, 2026 compliance deadline or face seizure, forfeiture, criminal charges and possible liquor‑license fines or suspensions.