HARRISBURG – PA Attorney General Dave Sunday responded to the PA Supreme Court’s ruling of “skill games” as illegal under the current state Crimes Code and Gaming Act. The ruling follows arguments made by the Office of Attorney General before the Court in November 2025 that the electronic machines found in numerous convenience stories, restaurants, bars, and other establishments across the Commonwealth operate as unlicensed and unregulated slot machines. Attorney General Sunday said the ruling is a victory for consumers, taxpayers, and the rule of law. The Supreme Court recognized what their 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 state
PA Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward and Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman have issued a statement on the PA Supreme Court’s ruling on skill games. The opinion finds games of skill are unlawful slot machines under the Gaming Act. The Senate leaders said they appreciate the clarity the Supreme Court has given with the ruling. The proliferation of skill games is a matter of public safety which must be addressed, and given the timing of the decision, they believe gaming reform is a critical piece of resolving this year’s budget. They added that with the fiscal realities facing PA, 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. There are an estimated 70,000 skill game machines operating throughout the state.
