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Pennsylvania Supreme Court declares skill game machines as slot machines The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has ruled that skill game machines, which have spread across the state, are illegal under the Gaming Control Act, reversing a lower court decision that allowed them to operate in various establishments.The court called the lower court ruling "deeply flawed" and issued a stay on enforcing the order for 120 days to give state lawmakers and Gov.Josh Shapiro time to address the devices through legislation.These machines are found in thousands of businesses, social clubs, and nonprofits across Pennsylvania, generating revenue for those entities.The debate over their legality has vexed lawmakers for years, as the devices have remained virtually unregulated and their revenue untaxed.Now lawmakers must settle issues like how much to tax them and who should regulate them."Sadly, this opinion will have far-reaching consequences, with more than 10,000 Pennsylvania small businesses and fraternal clubs becoming the real victims," Pace-O-Matic said.You can view the prevailing opinion in the skill games decision and the ruling itself here.Attorney General Dave Sunday responds to ruling Attorney General Dave Sunday issued the following statement in response to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s ruling that “skill games” are illegal under the current state Crimes Code and Gaming Act.“Today’s ruling is a significant victory for consumers, taxpayers and the rule of law in Pennsylvania,” Attorney General Sunday said.“The Supreme Court recognized what our office has argued from the beginning – these machines operate as gambling devices and cannot legally exist without the same oversight, regulation and accountability as other forms of legalized gaming in the Commonwealth.Pennsylvanians deserve protections that ensure games are fair, transparent and operated within the bounds of the law.” PA Senate leaders issue statement on Supreme Court ruling Pennsylvania Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward (R-39) and Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman (R-41) issued the following statement Monday on the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania’s ruling on skill games: “We appreciate the clarity the Supreme Court has given with today’s ruling.As expressed in the decision today, ‘Under a plain reading of the law, “skill game” devices are subject to both the Gaming Act and the Crimes Code.’ “The proliferation of skill games is a matter of public safety which must be addressed, and given the timing of this decision, we believe gaming reform is a critical piece of resolving this year’s budget.In addition, with the fiscal realities facing our Commonwealth, it stands to reason that new revenue from gaming reform should be directed to the general fund, as the Governor proposed in his 2026-27 budget.“Last year, Senate Republican Leadership introduced a gaming reform bill as a basis for discussion and with the Supreme Court ruling now in hand, we look forward to all parties swiftly engaging in meaningful conversations to resolve this issue.” There are an estimated 70,000 skill game machines operating throughout the Commonwealth – a number that far exceeds Pennsylvania’s regulated casino slot machines.