PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The ban on skill games at unauthorized locations in Pennsylvania went into effect on Wednesday. Machines can now be seized, and unauthorized businesses that still have them can face consequences.
The state Legislature had months to come up with a plan to regulate and tax skill games after the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, in June, ruled that they should be defined as slot machines, and their use must be authorized by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB).
The deadline to act was Wednesday, meaning skill game machines are no longer allowed at unauthorized locations.
The 1 Stop Mini Market at Eighth and Bainbridge streets, just like other corner stores, gas stations and bars, turned their machines off ahead of the deadline, and they were supposed to be removed by Tuesday night.
“Lots of customers who used to play every day. They come and see [them] shut off, all the machines, and they’re disappointed,” owner Javal Patel told NBC10.
Patel said the skill games ban, on top of a looming ban on the sale of certain vaping products, has her very concerned.
“We don’t know how we can survive next month for our rent, our utilities and stuff,” she said.
According to Pennsylvania State Police, “Only licensed casinos and qualifying licensed ‘truck stop establishments’ may legally possess, operate, and maintain slot machines or video gaming terminals that have been inspected and approved for operation by the PGCB.”
The machines cannot just be turned off or unplugged; they must be physically removed. State Police and other law enforcement agencies have the power to seize unauthorized machines and file charges “where deemed appropriate.”
Starting Wednesday, unauthorized machines can be seized and businesses can face consequences
Starting Wednesday, unauthorized machines can be seized and businesses can face consequences
