Pennsylvania hits 99.4% compliance on skill-game removal

Near-total removal across the state, but police warn sweepstakes machines may be the next workaround.

The hit

Pennsylvania State Police say 12,134 of 12,202 venues checked have removed illegal skill-game machines, a 99.4% compliance rate, according to the force. Officers seized 14 machines & $1,913 since enforcement began on October 14. Police say some operators are now installing “sweepstakes” machines that avoid taking cash directly, a move operators claim makes them legal.

Why it matters

The near-total compliance shows how fast a state can clear illegal gambling machines once a court ruling & a deadline are in place. Police say sweepstakes-style machines could still violate state law. Distributors & venues hosting them could face criminal charges if they continue operating the devices, according to the state police.

The record

Compliance rate	99.4% (Pennsylvania State Police)
Enforcement start	After a 120-day safe harbour expired
Court ruling	Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled skill games illegal slot machines on 15 June
Machines & cash seized	Pennsylvania State Police
Venues still non-compliant	68 of 12,202 checked, based on police visits

What happens next

Watch for criminal charges against distributors or venues still running skill games, & for how regulators treat sweepstakes-style machines. Police say they continue to actively investigate locations that have not voluntarily removed skill games.

Sources: Pennsylvania: Police report 99.4% compliance with skill game removal

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