PENNSYLVANIA (WHP) — Attorney General Dave Sunday is offering guidance for Pennsylvania businesses with “skill games” machines or face possible legal action as the Oct. 14 deadline looms.
Under the law, video game devices not housed at licensed casinos or licensed truck stops in Pennsylvania are subject to seizure by law enforcement. This comes on the heels of a high court ruling that determined these machines to be “slot machines” as defined by the Commonwealth’s Gaming Act.
On June 15, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled the “skill game” machines often found at social clubs, restaurants, gas stations, taverns, and several other businesses to be gambling devices. Anyone without a Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) is committing a criminal offense, according to Pennsylvania State Police.
“We do not want to see searches and seizures at storefronts or bar, social club and restaurant establishments — we would much rather business owners and social clubs comply with the law and take steps to get these illegal devices out of their places of business,” Sunday said. “Collaborating with our law enforcement partners, my office will act in accordance with the law, which prohibits these machines outside of licensed gaming facilities.”
Sunday said that the Pennsylvania Legislature can still act before the deadline in a fortnight, but should they fail to do so, authorities will be free to seize the machines as well as any money associated with the device’s operation. Criminal charges can also be filed if deemed appropriate.
He confirmed that unplugging the machines is not enough to be compliant with the law since they can still be readily operated.
PSP strongly advises businesses with such machines to consult their distributors or vendors about removing the machines and associated equipment, including ticket redemption terminals.