Pennsylvania Police Launch Tip Line to Report Illegal Skill Games

Key Highlights

Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) have opened a public tip line to help identify businesses holding illegal skill game machines.

Pennsylvania Police Begin Enforcing Skill Game Restrictions

Skill games are electronic gambling machines that resemble casino slots but include a small skill-based element, such as a memory or matching task. These games have long been found in Pennsylvania bars and convenience stores, but the state recently reclassified them as illegal slots. The PSP’s reporting system follows an October 14 enforcement deadline that required affected operators to remove the devices. People who suspect violations are encouraged to contact police by phone (1-888-292-1919) or email (tips@pa.gov).

In June 2026, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled that skill game devices should be subject to the Gaming Act and Crimes Code. Justices placed skill games within the state’s legal definition of slot machines, changing how the devices can be treated and where they can be. With an October 14 enforcement deadline, suppliers and businesses had several months to prepare for the new restrictions.

Under Pennsylvania law, authorized slot machines belong only in approved gaming locations. Licensed casinos and certain eligible truck stops can offer regulated machines, but ordinary shops and social clubs cannot keep the affected devices. The restrictions cover venues such as convenience stores, restaurants, grocery stores, and neighborhood bars across the state.

Businesses Face Criminal Charges & Equipment Seizures

Police have made it clear that simply unplugging a machine will not satisfy the removal requirement. Properties that had skill game machines must get rid of all devices, even those that are switched off, broken, or temporarily unused. Businesses struggling to arrange pick-up have been encouraged to speak with their suppliers or distributors about equipment removal. Pennsylvania has also outlined compliance steps businesses can take to avoid penalties.

Keeping prohibited machines on site can bring serious consequences. Authorities may confiscate devices and associated equipment, seize money earned through the games, and pursue criminal charges when appropriate. Businesses with liquor licenses could also face administrative penalties, including fines or suspension of their licenses, depending on the circumstances.

The restrictions affect an industry with a substantial presence across Pennsylvania. Before the enforcement deadline, estimates suggested roughly 70,000 skill game machines were operating statewide. Managing compliance across so many locations could present a major challenge for police, particularly where businesses have relied on these devices for extra income.

Small Businesses & Community Groups Face Revenue Losses

Small businesses and community groups that receive a share of machine revenue are among the most concerned operators. American Legion posts, VFW chapters, volunteer fire companies, emergency service organizations, and fraternal clubs are among those facing potential losses. For these organizations, game proceeds can support everyday expenses and activities. Establishments traditionally were entitled to about one-third of each machine’s monthly revenue.

Skill game software provider Pace-O-Matic (POM) has warned that losing this income could put additional pressure on local establishments and nonprofit groups. The removal deadline has therefore raised financial concerns alongside questions about enforcement. Meanwhile, POM has expressed support for affected businesses.

“We urge lawmakers to come together quickly and pass legislation that responsibly regulates and taxes skill games while protecting the organizations, businesses, and communities that, for a decade, have come to count on this revenue,” the Georgia-based company said in a statement.

Pennsylvania lawmakers have discussed creating a legal and taxable system for skill games, but they have not yet reached an agreement. Disputes over taxes, license costs, and oversight have blocked a compromise. Governor Josh Shapiro has publicly urged Republican Senate leaders to advance legislation, with the current legislative session scheduled to end on November 30, 2026.