The Pennsylvania Supreme Court on Monday ruled that “skill games” that have popped up across the state are illegal.
The ruling says that even though the games contain an element of skill, the machines that have become highly visible at convenience stores, restaurants, bars and grocery stores “are subject to both the Gaming Act and the Crimes Code”. State Attorney General Dave Sunday said that the skill games were operating as unlicensed and unregulated slot machines. He called Monday’s ruling a “significant victory for consumers, taxpayers and the rule of law in Pennsylvania,” and said that the skill games “cannot legally exist without the same oversight, regulation and accountability as other forms of legalized gaming in the Commonwealth.”
PA Senate Republican Leadership, including Majority Leader Joe Pittman issued a joint statement on the ruling, saying they appreciate the clarity the upper court’s ruling provided, and said they believe “gaming reform is a critical piece of resolving this year’s budget. In addition, with the fiscal realities facing our Commonwealth, it stands to reason that new revenue from gaming reform should be directed to the general fund, as the Governor proposed in his 2026-27 budget.” They also said they are looking forward to all parties working together to resolve the issue.
The court has stayed the decision for four months, saying they were also mindful of the disturbance the move would cause business owners and other good-faith participants. During that time, law enforcement agencies will not take any action against owners or operators of the machines.
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