Last verified: October 22, 2026.
The short answer
You need to physically remove any unauthorized skill game machines from your business premises before the October 13 deadline or face fines and potential license penalties, as City of Philadelphia Department of Commerce reported. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled on June 15, 2026 that these machines are legally classified as slot machines under state gambling regulations. Only establishments authorized by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board can operate approved gaming equipment in the state. Simply unplugging or turning off a machine does not satisfy the removal requirement.
What the ruling actually means for your business
Business owners often put machines out back to bring in extra cash flow without thinking much about the fine print. That oversight is exactly what leaves them caught off guard when regulations shift. The court decision changes the entire landscape overnight. Skill game machines are now treated exactly like slot machines under Pennsylvania law. That means if your establishment does not hold a specific authorization from the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, those machines are no longer legal to keep on site.
In 2005 I built my first website (I'd bought one before that). Month one made a little over $3,000. Month two made $106,000 on a little over $20,000 in ad spend. The model was buying ads from Google and selling clicks back. Google shut it down, and I was still on the hook for ad spend they later called fraudulent. Lesson I drew: it never goes the way I think, and I wouldn't be where I am without that failure. Regulations change faster than you can update your systems. You just have to adapt your operations to match the new rules. Keep them past the deadline and you risk enforcement action, fines, and complications with your city business license. Remove them cleanly and you protect your operating standing.
Steps to remove unauthorized equipment safely
You do not need to panic or guess your way through this. Just follow the compliance path laid out by the city and state.
- Contact your machine vendor or distributor immediately to coordinate the physical removal of all unauthorized skill game machines from your premises.
- Arrange for complete removal before October 13, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. leaving them on site even if powered down will not count toward compliance.
- Monitor updates from the Philadelphia Department of Commerce to see how this ruling impacts your specific business license or zoning status.
- If you have questions about compliance or next steps, reach out to the Mayor’s Business Action Team at 215-683-2100 or email business@phila.gov for direct guidance.
Plenty of owners try to cut corners when equipment comes down, assuming that hiding a machine in the back room or leaving it plugged in is enough. That approach does not satisfy compliance requirements. The state wants them off the property entirely. Get the vendor on the phone, schedule the pull, and document the removal date for your records. That keeps you clear of enforcement and keeps your business license in good standing.
Frequently asked questions
Does this ruling apply to all businesses in Pennsylvania?
No. Only establishments authorized by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, including licensed casinos and qualifying licensed truck stops, may legally operate approved gaming machines. All other businesses must remove unauthorized skill game machines from their premises.
What happens if I miss the October 13 deadline?
Businesses that do not physically remove the equipment by October 13, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. will face enforcement action, which can include fines and potential penalties tied to your city business license.
Can I just unplug or turn off the machines instead of removing them?
No. Simply unplugging or turning off a machine does not satisfy the removal requirement. The equipment must be physically taken off your property before the deadline.
Who do I contact if I need help with compliance?
You can contact the Philadelphia Department of Commerce’s Mayor’s Business Action Team by calling 215-683-2100 or emailing business@phila.gov for compliance assistance and next steps.
Does this ruling change how licensed casinos operate?
No. The ruling specifically targets unauthorized skill game machines. Only establishments authorized by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board may continue to operate approved gaming machines under existing state gambling regulations.
Sources
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