Pennsylvania businesses that have so-called skill-game machines are being told to remove them by Oct. 14 or risk law-enforcement action.
Attorney General Dave Sunday issued the guidance Tuesday after a Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruling in June found the devices are slot machines under the state Gaming Act. Under Pennsylvania law, those machines may not be operated outside licensed casinos or licensed truck stops.
If state lawmakers do not act before the deadline, Pennsylvania State Police and other law-enforcement agencies may take action against businesses that continue to possess, operate or maintain the machines. Possible enforcement includes seizure and forfeiture of the machines, related equipment and money connected with their operation. Criminal charges may also be filed where authorities determine they are appropriate.
The Attorney General’s Office said simply turning off, unplugging or temporarily disabling a machine will not satisfy the requirement because it can be placed back into operation. Businesses are being urged to contact their vendors or distributors and demand that the devices be removed from their premises.
The warning also applies to distributors, vendors and manufacturers that refuse to remove machines they have placed in businesses. The Attorney General’s Office said they could also face criminal charges if they continue to maintain the devices for operation after the deadline.
The guidance applies statewide, including businesses and social clubs across Bradford County and the Twin Tiers.
