KNOW YOUR RISK
Pennsylvania Skill Games: What the Law Actually Says
Deadline to comply: October 13, 2026
Under Pennsylvania Crimes Code Title 18 § 5513, operating, making, or allowing unlawful gambling devices or premises is a misdemeanor of the first degree — carrying penalties of up to five years in prison and $10,000 in fines. All gambling is illegal unless explicitly authorized by law.
WHAT THE LAW PROHIBITS:
- Unlicensed devices — owning, making, or leasing slot machines, punch boards, or drawing cards
- Unlawful premises — knowingly permitting property to be used for illegal gambling
- Simulated gambling — operating electronic terminals for unauthorized simulated gambling programs
- Unlicensed operations — unapproved casino events, private commercial poker nights, unauthorized bookmaking
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS:
- Supreme Court ruling — the PA Supreme Court ruled electronic “skill games” (like Pace-O-Matic machines) function as illegal, unregulated slot machines under state law and the Crimes Code.
- Enforcement status — the court issued a temporary stay affecting enforcement timelines, giving the legislature room to debate statewide regulation before it lifts.
What this means for your business:
After October 13, 2026, unlicensed skill games are confirmed illegal statewide. Continued use puts your liquor license at risk, carries the criminal penalties above, and can affect eligibility for a future regulated VGT license. TDG can help you get positioned for the legal, regulated VGT market ahead.
Sources: 18 Pa.C.S. § 5513, Spotlight PA, MacDonald Illig, and other sources below.
Lancaster County, PA — Illegal Gambling Devices Overview: co.lancaster.pa.us/DocumentCenter/View/3570
18 Pa.C.S. § 5513, Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes: www.palegis.us/statutes/consolidated/view-statute?txtType=HTM&ttl=18&div=0&chpt=55&sctn=13&subsctn=0
MTV Law — “4 Things You Need to Know About Illegal Gambling” (Dec. 2024): www.mtvlaw.com/blog/2024/december/4-things-you-need-to-know-about-illegal-gambling/
MacDonald Illig — “Pennsylvania Supreme Court Declares ‘Skill Game’ Machines Illegal”: www.macdonaldillig.com/resources/news/news-item/pennsylvania-supreme-court-declares–skill-game–machines-illegal
6abc Action News — Ruling coverage: www.facebook.com/6abcActionNews/posts/the-pennsylvania-supreme-court-ruled-monday-that-skill-games-are-illegal/1552666672892369/
Spotlight PA — “Skill games are gambling devices: PA Supreme Court” (June 2026): www.spotlightpa.org/news/2026/06/skill-games-illegal-pennsylvania-supreme-court-ruling-capitol/
Video coverage: www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KjA9xKVPhc
Video coverage: www.youtube.com/shorts/43_8uVPAvEU
Not legal advice. Consult counsel regarding your specific situation.
YOUR REGIONAL REPS
EASTERN REGION
CHRIS VECCHIONE
VP of Sales, PA
Cvecchione@tdg-pa.com
215-749-0008
WESTERN REGION
LOU LARSON
VP of Gaming Relations, PA
Llarson@tdg-pa.com
412-498-8713