Pennsylvania’s Supreme Court ruling classifying skill game devices as illegal slot machines ends their legal operation after 13 October. From 14 October, businesses hosting an estimated 70,000 terminals risk raids, seizures and criminal prosecution.
Businesses hosting skill game terminals risk raids, seizures and criminal prosecution if operations continue from 14 October.
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Pennsylvania lawmakers and industry groups sought to extend a court pause due to expire on 13 October. Their petitions seek more time before authorities can seize skill game machines. Governor Josh Shapiro supports a 52% tax, while state Treasurer Stacy Garrity proposes a $500 monthly charge for each machine.
Pennsylvania lawmakers and industry groups have asked the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to extend a pause that was due to expire on 13 October, according to a report. The petitions seek more time before authorities can seize skill game machines. The court imposed a 120-day pause after ruling on 15 June that skill games fall under the state's Gaming Act and Crimes Code, meaning operators must be licensed by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.
Crypto.com has asked the US Supreme Court to establish that federal law overrides state gambling rules for sports contracts. Partner Robinhood has urged the justices to pause the case. The requests follow conflicting prediction market decisions in the Third and Ninth Circuits.
Crypto.com wants the U.S. Supreme Court to hold that federal law preempts state gaming rules on sports contracts, according to a report. Its partner Robinhood, meanwhile, is asking the justices to pause the case. Both companies turned to the court after the Third and Ninth Circuits reached conflicting prediction market rulings. Whether the petitions will be taken up is still undecided.
New Jersey filed a petition on 2 September asking the US Supreme Court to review a ruling favouring Kalshi. The Third Circuit found Kalshi likely to succeed in arguing federal pre-emption, while the Ninth Circuit rejected that position in its Nevada case.
West Virginia Attorney General JB McCuskey expects the US Supreme Court to rule on sports event prediction markets in 2027. He gave the forecast at the summer meeting of the National Council of Legislators from Gaming States, where other state officials shared the view.
The Pennsylvania State Police have launched a public reporting channel for businesses that continue to host skill games after the 14 October enforcement deadline. Violators face criminal charges, machine seizures, confiscation of proceeds and possible liquor licence action, the PSP said. The move follows a June 2026 state Supreme Court ruling placing skill games under the definition of slot machines.
The Pennsylvania State Police have opened a public reporting channel for businesses that continue to host skill games after the 14 October enforcement deadline. Suspected violations can be reported by e-mail or by phone, the PSP said. The force said businesses that keep the machines face criminal charges, seizure of equipment and confiscation of related proceeds.