Pennsylvania temporarily legalizes skill games through April 2027 without requiring licenses

Original title: An Act amending Title 4 (Amusements) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, providing for temporary authorization of skill games.

Last action · September 24, 2026: Referred to GAMING OVERSIGHT, Sept. 24, 2026Sponsors: Brad Roae and 28 others

Companion · SB 1488same policy, Senate version

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What This Bill Would Do

Pennsylvania temporarily authorizes the manufacture, sale, lease, distribution, servicing, repair, possession, placement, operation, and play of s statewide through April 13, 2027. Operators and participants are exempted from state licensing requirements and specific taxes or fees under during this temporary period.

Why it matters

Business owners and operators may lawfully host and manage skill slot machines without obtaining state permits or paying specific amusement taxes until April 2027, preserving operations while the General Assembly debates permanent regulations.

Who It Would Affect

Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.

Directly affected

business owners

Business owners may lawfully host skill games on their premises without securing state licenses or facing specific amusement taxes through April 13, 2027.

Directly affected

skill game industry participants

Manufacturers, distributors, and servicers of skill games are permitted to conduct operations without prior state certification or licensing requirements during the temporary period.

Key Facts

You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do business owners need a state license to operate a skill game under this bill?

No. Under the temporary authorization, persons are not required to obtain a license, permit, certificate, registration, or approval under to engage in authorized activities.

When does this temporary authorization expire?

The chapter providing for temporary authorization expires on April 13, 2027.

What else do you want to know?

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Where This Stands

Currently in committee. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Floor Vote.

Procedural history

1 action

Sep 24, 2026HouseCommittee
Referred to GAMING OVERSIGHT, Sept. 24, 2026

Version history

Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.

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