A group of Pennsylvania lawmakers plans to ask the state Supreme Court to extend an Oct. 13 deadline affecting skill game machines to Feb. 10, 2027.
The court ruled in June that the devices are illegal slot machines but delayed enforcement of its ruling for 120 days to give lawmakers time to develop legislation. Estimates earlier this year placed the number of machines statewide at about 70,000.
The proposed petition would ask the court to exercise its King’s Bench authority, which allows it to intervene in matters of immediate public importance.
Attorney David Senoff said an initial petition filed electronically Tuesday was withdrawn after one of four participating lawmakers requested removal. A revised petition was expected to include a replacement lawmaker without meaningful changes to its substance.
The original petitioners were Republican Sen. Gene Yaw of Lycoming County, Democratic Sen. Anthony Williams of Philadelphia, Republican Rep. Jonathan Fritz of Wayne County and Democratic Rep. Danilo Burgos of Philadelphia. Senoff did not identify which lawmaker withdrew.
Lawmakers have also circulated proposals for legislative extensions. Democratic Sen. Wayne Fontana of Allegheny County proposed allowing liquor-licensed fraternal and social organizations to retain up to five skill game machines through Dec. 31, 2027.
Small businesses, clubs, fire halls and other organizations have urged lawmakers to legalize the machines, citing the revenue they provide. Fritz said the issue’s complexity and limited legislative session days during the 120-day stay have complicated efforts to reach a resolution.
Berks County District Attorney John Adams, speaking for the Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association, opposed an extension. He said lawmakers have had sufficient time to act and that many businesses have already removed or disabled their machines.
State police advised that businesses with skill game devices after the deadline could face seizure of machines and proceeds, criminal charges and action against their liquor licenses.
