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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