This is the day when any games of skill in Pennsylvania need to be removed. Otherwise, Pennsylvania State Police crackdowns could begin as soon as Wednesday.
Local State Senator Wayne Fontana says while lawmakers failed to meet the State Supreme Court deadline to regulate the devices, the topic is still very much alive in Harrisburg.
“The emails I’ve been getting the last few weeks is, ‘Hey, I don’t want to go to a casino, I want to enjoy these machines at my local bar/restaurant or VFW,” said Senator Fontana.
Fontana told the Big K Morning Show he doesn't expect lawmakers to take new action on regulations until 2027.
The high court ruled the games are the same thing as a slot machine---and unless they are regulated---they are illegal.
Jim Jasek of City Coin Machine Service says many bars rely on revenue from the machines.
“And what is the state going to do when all these bars, clubs and restaurants close down and they close down forever, they will not come back and you’re not getting any revenue from renewal of liquor licenses,
said Jasek.
Skill games began to proliferate in Pennsylvania following a 2014 ruling by another court that said the games did involve certain skills in order to win.
Skill games have popped up in bars, restaurants, social clubs, mini-marts, gas stations, grocery stores, laundromats and more.
Enforcement by State Troopers could include:
- Seizing and forfeiting the machines and associated equipment
- Seizing proceeds associated with the operation of the machines
- Filing criminal charges when deemed appropriate
- Administrative citation filed against a liquor license, which may result in a fine and/or suspension of the license
