HARRISBURG, Pa. – Under Pennsylvania’s Gaming Act and Crimes Code, state officials ruled Monday that so‑called skill games are unlawful.
The ruling follows arguments made by the Office of Attorney General before the Court in November 2025 that the electronic machines — found in numerous convenience stories, bar/restaurants, and other establishments across the Commonwealth — operate as unlicensed and unregulated slot machines.
“‘Skill game’ devices have been held to fall into a legal gray area outside of the reach of both the Gaming Act and the Crimes Code,” court documents read.
The Office of Attorney General argued that embedding an element of so-called skill into the games does not exempt the devices from Pennsylvania gambling laws, according to a press release from the AG.
Attorney General Dave Sunday issued the following statement in response to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s ruling of “skill games” as illegal under the current state Crimes Code and Gaming Act.
“Today’s ruling is a significant victory for consumers, taxpayers and the rule of law in Pennsylvania,” Attorney General Sunday said. “The Supreme Court recognized what our office has argued from the beginning – these machines operate as gambling devices and cannot legally exist without the same oversight, regulation and accountability as other forms of legalized gaming in the Commonwealth. Pennsylvanians deserve protections that ensure games are fair, transparent and operated within the bounds of the law.”
There are an estimated 70,000 skill game machines operating throughout the Commonwealth – a number that far exceeds Pennsylvania’s regulated casino slot machines, the release says.
The decision affirms the Commonwealth’s authority to regulate gambling devices and reinforces the Office of Attorney General’s ongoing efforts to protect consumers, uphold Pennsylvania law and ensure gaming operations are conducted legally and transparently.
The Court ordered its ruling stayed for 120 days.