Pennsylvania Skill Games Ruling:
What Charitable Clubs Need to Know
On June 15, 2026, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled that skill game machines are considered “slot machines” under Pennsylvania law and are illegal if operated outside the state’s regulated gaming locations.
If your charitable club operates skill machines, you are impacted. You have until October 13, 2026 before law enforcement agencies can take action.
It’s important that you understand what happened, why, what’s next, and what options you have.
What did the Pennsylvania Supreme Court decide?
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled skill game machines are slot machines under Pennsylvania law.
The Court concluded that the presence of a skill component does not take these machines outside the state’s gaming and criminal laws.
Why did the Supreme Court say skill games are slot machines?
The Court determined that adding a skill component to a machine does not make an otherwise slot-like gambling device legal to operate outside Pennsylvania's regulated gaming system.
Does the Supreme Court decision mean clubs have to remove their machines immediately?
No, not immediately.
The Supreme Court recognized the impact its decision could have on businesses and other organizations and paused its order for 120 days.
During that period, which ends on October 13, no law enforcement agency may take enforcement action against owners or operators of skill game devices.
What is the October 13 deadline?
October 13 is the end of the Supreme Court's 120-day pause.
If the law has not changed by that date, the Supreme Court's interpretation of existing law will become enforceable.
This means clubs should be preparing now for the possibility that operation of skill games after October 13 could result in enforcement action.
What happens on October 13 if the Pennsylvania Legislature does nothing?
Operating an unlicensed skill game machine will expose the people and organizations involved to enforcement action under the Pennsylvania Gaming Act and Crimes Code.
Pennsylvania's Crimes Code generally prohibits knowingly setting up, maintaining, selling, leasing or offering a slot machine or gambling device for unlawful gambling.
The law also provides for confiscation and forfeiture of gambling devices operated in violation of the statute.
Could the Legislature change the situation before October 13?
Yes. The Court made clear that its decision does not prevent the Legislature from establishing a different legal framework for these machines.
Lawmakers have considered legislation that would establish a regulatory and taxation system for skill games.
Until legislation is enacted however, clubs should not assume that a particular proposal will become law. In addition, if the legislature acts, it must do so before October 13, 2026.
Why does this matter to veteran organizations and charitable clubs?
The impact on charitable clubs could be particularly significant because many clubs use revenue generated through skill games to support community programs, veterans, local nonprofits and other charitable activities.
The loss of this revenue could therefore have consequences beyond the clubs themselves. It could reduce the amount of money available for organizations and programs throughout Pennsylvania that rely on charitable support from these clubs.
If no legislation changes the situation, continued operation of machines that fall within the Supreme Court's ruling could subject clubs to enforcement.
What options are available to my club?
Clubs should use the 120-day period to prepare rather than wait until October 13. Take this time to understand the legislation being considered and also what alternative revenue sources exist, like electronic pull-tabs (e-tabs).
What are electronic pull-tabs (e-tabs)?
Electronic pull-tabs (e-tabs), are a modern electronic version of traditional paper pull-tabs that are already permitted as a Small Games of Chance in Pennsylvania.
Instead of purchasing a paper pull-tab and physically opening it to reveal whether it is a winner, a player uses an electronic device to select and reveal an individual pull-tab ticket.
For charitable clubs, e-tabs could provide a modern, regulated alternative to skill machines while continuing to generate significant revenue for charitable and community purposes.
E-tabs will not replace existing small games of chance. In fact, the revenue from existing small games of chance will continue with e-tabs providing an additional source of money.
Will e-tabs make our club enough money?
E-tabs are currently legal in 12 states as a fundraising tool for non-profit clubs. Clubs that have installed e-tabs have seen their gaming profits increase substantially. E-tabs increase revenue and also reduce reporting, bookkeeping, and other operational expenses.
Why should charitable clubs ask the Legislature to authorize e-tabs?
The Supreme Court's decision creates an immediate financial and operational problem for thousands of charitable clubs.
Traditional pull-tabs are already recognized under Pennsylvania's Small Games of Chance law, which allows eligible charitable, religious, fraternal and veterans' organizations to conduct games of chance for public-interest purposes.
E-tabs offer an opportunity to modernize a popular and existing form of charitable gaming rather than leaving clubs with no comparable revenue-generating option.
What should charitable clubs ask their legislators to do?
Ask your state senator and state representative to authorize electronic pull-tabs for clubs in Pennsylvania as quickly as possible.
This FAQ is intended for general informational and educational purposes. It is not legal advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for advice from qualified Pennsylvania legal counsel.
Information current as of August 10, 2026.