Pennsylvania Skill Games, Day Two: What the State Police Agreements Actually Require
Key Takeaways for Gaming Operators and Advisors
No seizures, arrests, charges or fines have been reported as of October 15. The State Police release from October 14 announces enforcement and warns of action; it does not report any.
Six operators and distributors have signed compliance agreements with State Police, and several more have asked for more time. The release does not name them (PSP, Oct. 14).
The agreement terms are specific: machines inoperable starting October 14, rolling removals on a timeline tied to each operator's equipment count, a full list of machines and locations, weekly removal updates, and forfeiture of anything not removed on schedule. In return, State Police hold off on seizures until that timeline ends.
Unplugging does not count. PSP: "powering off or unplugging an otherwise operable machine is not sufficient."
Replacement devices are in the crosshairs. PSP says it will pursue charges against manufacturers, distributors and businesses using replacement devices, including ones that accept cards or other non-cash value.
One region is reporting full compliance. Troop F, covering ten north-central counties, checked 94 establishments and found every one compliant (northcentralpa.com, Oct. 14).
Yesterday I wrote that we would find out what "nobody blinked" means on the ground. Day two gives us a first answer, and it is quieter than the headlines predicted. The enforcement story so far is not trucks and raids. It is paperwork: lists of machines, lists of locations, weekly reports, and a clock.
That is worth reading closely, because the agreement terms tell you how State Police are thinking. They are trading time for transparency. An operator that signs gets a removal schedule sized to its fleet and a pause on seizures. An operator that does not sign has no such cover. Several distributors have said they will comply but want more time, and those agreements are still pending, so the line between covered and exposed is moving day to day.
What this means if you operate or host machines in Pennsylvania. First, know which side of that line your vendor is on. Ask in writing whether they have signed an agreement with State Police and what your location's removal date is. Second, do not treat a removal date as permission to keep machines running. The release says devices must be inoperable starting October 14, and that unplugging is not enough. Third, keep your own record: serial numbers, the date each machine went dark, the date it left, who picked it up, and photos. If a location ever has to show good faith, that file is the proof. Fourth, if you hold a liquor license, talk to counsel now. Tips and business questions go to State Police at tips@pa.gov or 1-888-292-1919, and liquor licensees can contact their local Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement office.
A point I will keep repeating. When it comes to regulated gaming, any unregulated activity on record makes future licensure in Pennsylvania extremely difficult. Do not jeopardize your business by keeping the lamp lit on these machines. It is not worth it.
What to watch. Monday, October 19, when lawmakers return to Harrisburg. Whatever happens there, enforcement has already started, so any deal will begin from a different place than the one we were in a week ago. I will report only what is confirmed with a date, including the first confirmed seizure or charge when there is one.
Chicago VGT Live Tracker
By the numbers (Illinois Gaming Board lists, City = Chicago, pulled October 15): 64 licensed establishments (latest status date September 3, unchanged) and 293 pending applications (291 establishments, one veterans establishment, one truck stop; latest status date October 12). Pending is unchanged from yesterday.
Application growth: up 3.2% since September 24 (284 to 293) and 2.1% since October 1 (287 to 293). Flat day over day.
Hot Items to Go Live:
City local licensing. Zero issued; the Chicago Sun-Times (October 5, updated October 6) reported a City Hall spokesman confirmed machines have not gone live.
Conditional-license ordinance (O2026-0024090). Deferred and published April 15; no vote found since.
The repeal push. Mayor Johnson asked the Council to reverse course (WTTW, June 12); no new Council action found.
Bally's Host Community Agreement dispute. September 9 License Committee hearing is the latest verified event.
The 293-application state queue. Every pending application still needs IGB approval first.
On the calendar: Accel Entertainment reports third quarter results after the market closes Tuesday, November 3, with a call at 4:30 PM ET (company release).
We found no confirmed new developments today in Missouri, Georgia, Texas, Nevada, West Virginia, Montana, Oregon or Nebraska.
Read the story from every angle
Pennsylvania State Police, Oct. 14: the enforcement release and agreement terms.
northcentralpa.com, Oct. 14: Troop F reports 100% compliance across 94 establishments.
KYW Newsradio, Oct. 14: ban in effect, machines must be physically removed.
Fox 56, Oct. 14: enforcement begins, unplugging is not compliance.
Chicago Sun-Times, Oct. 5: Chicago-area video gambling.
Need a Pennsylvania wind-down or contingency plan? Reach out.
