PENNSYLVANIA (WHP) — “Skill games” or slot machines are found in a variety of establishments across Pennsylvania, and state police remind businesses of the upcoming deadline to remove them.
All skill games or slot machines outside of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) licensed businesses are unlawful as of Oct. 14.
On June 15, the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania ruled that skill games include slot machines and that a person or business without proper licensing can be charged with a criminal offense.
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Distributors and manufacturers of slot machines have been cautioned that it is a criminal offense to maintain, assemble, set up, make, sell or lease slot machines unless they are licensed, according to officials.
Pennsylvania State Police and law enforcement agencies will take action against businesses that continue to possess these gambling devices without proper licensing.
Officials may seize the machines, associated equipment and proceeds, in addition to filing criminal charges.
“A slot machine does not cease being a slot machine if it has simply been turned off, unplugged, or temporarily disabled, allowing it to be readily operated,” according to Pennsylvania State Police.
For more information on the regulations, visit the Pennsylvania State Police website.