Pennsylvania State Police have released guidance and recommendations as the deadline for lawmakers to legalize skill games looms, saying they plan to seize the machines if lawmakers do not take action by next month. 

The October 13, 2026, deadline was set by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, which ruled in June that skill games found in small businesses, VFWs, restaurants, and gas stations are unregulated, illegal slot machines. 

State Police say “all establishments possessing, operating and/or maintaining such machines are subject to criminal prosecution and immediate seizure of the machines as of Oct. 14, 2026.” 

Law enforcement agencies may take enforcement actions against businesses that continue to possess, operate, and/or maintain these machines after Oct. 14, assuming no action is taken by the state legislature. 

“The PSP strongly recommends that businesses currently hosting such machines discuss their removal with any distributors or vendors who may own the machines and associated equipment, including ticket redemption terminals,” State Police said in their guidance. 

Click here for press release 

Link:  https://www.pa.gov/agencies/psp/newsroom/psp-reminds-businesses-and-establishments-of-the-skill-games-dec