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Chamber CEO Calls State's Skill Game Inaction 'Shameful' as Removal Deadline Nears
State police said unlicensed machines can be seized and criminal charges filed after the Oct. 13 deadline, following a court ruling that classified them as slot machines.
- On Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026, Pennsylvania State Police will begin seizing 'skill games' devices from businesses statewide, with operators facing criminal prosecution for machines operating after the deadline.
- The Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled in June that these devices qualify as 'slot machines' under the Gaming Act, restricting legal operation to licensed casinos and 'qualifying, licensed truck stop establishments' approved by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.
- Police advise businesses to contact vendors for immediate removal, warning that "a slot machine does not cease being a slot machine if it has simply been turned off, unplugged, or temporarily disabled." Owners with liquor licenses should contact the Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement for assistance.
- State Representative Russ Diamond proposed a 20% tax rate to legalize the machines, but Pennsylvania lawmakers failed to reach agreement, leaving bar owner PJ Dolan of Ridley Park concerned the removal will cost charities "about $1,000 a month" in donations.
- After the Oct. 13, 2026, legislative deadline passes, businesses continuing to operate unauthorized devices face potential administrative citations against liquor licenses and immediate seizure of all proceeds associated with the machines.
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Chamber CEO calls state's skill game inaction 'shameful' as removal deadline nears
Williamsport, Pa. — With a statewide crackdown on skill game machines just days away, the head of the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce is warning of the fallout for local small businesses, nonprofit clubs, and a Muncy manufacturer that builds the…
Police warn that skill games must be removed, not just unplugged, as state races towards deadline
Pennsylvania State Police are warning business owners that if they have a skill game machine, it must be removed or business owners could face criminal charges.
·Mechanicsburg, United States
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Total News Sources47
Leaning Left8Leaning Right9Center24Last UpdatedBias Distribution59% Center
Bias Distribution
- 59% of the sources are Center
59% Center
L 19%
C 59%
R 22%
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