Pennsylvania State Police have inspected more than 12,000 establishments across the commonwealth as part of an ongoing crackdown on unlicensed gambling devices, reporting that nearly all locations checked no longer have skill games.
Since enforcement efforts began Oct. 14, state police have visited 12,202 establishments to determine whether the businesses were operating the machines. According to the agency’s latest update, 12,134 locations were found to be free of skill games, representing a compliance rate of approximately 99.4%.
Troopers have seized 14 machines and $1,913 during the enforcement effort.
Investigations remain ongoing at establishments that have not voluntarily removed the devices.
The enforcement initiative follows a Pennsylvania Supreme Court decision addressing the legality of skill games, which state police say may only operate in locations where gambling is expressly authorized under state law.
State police are also warning businesses about newer gaming devices being marketed as legal alternatives to traditional skill games.
According to the agency, some establishments have displayed signs supplied by manufacturers or operators claiming their machines are legal because they do not accept cash or operate as sweepstakes rather than slot machines.
However, state police say the method of payment does not determine whether a device constitutes illegal gambling.
Machines that accept payment through credit cards, debit cards, mobile payment applications or other electronic methods may still violate state law if they allow players to participate in gambling-style games for the chance to receive money, credits or other financial rewards.
The agency also warned that offering free credits or complimentary gameplay does not necessarily make a machine legal if players can subsequently use their own money to continue participating.
State police said no manufacturers or operators sought the agency’s determination regarding the legality of these devices before placing them in Pennsylvania establishments.
Under Pennsylvania law, businesses can face penalties for possessing or operating unauthorized gambling devices or allowing gambling activities on their premises.
The state’s Crimes Code also prohibits certain electronic gaming systems that allow players to participate in simulated gambling for cash or cash-equivalent prizes. That includes devices using QR codes or mobile applications to access slot-style games, casino games or sweepstakes-style gambling.
Businesses operating slot machines, table games or interactive gambling without the appropriate authorization from the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board may also face violations under the state’s Gaming Act.
State police are urging businesses that still have potentially illegal gaming equipment to contact their distributors or vendors about removing the machines.
Continued violations could result in the seizure and forfeiture of gambling devices, related equipment and proceeds, as well as criminal charges.
The agency said it intends to pursue criminal charges against manufacturers and distributors that continue allowing unauthorized devices to operate.
The enforcement effort applies statewide, including establishments in Franklin County. State police did not provide a county-by-county breakdown of inspections, seizures or potential violations in the latest update.
Businesses with questions about the legality of gaming devices are encouraged to review Pennsylvania’s gambling laws and licensing requirements before allowing the machines to operate.
