Philadelphia Banned Slot-Like Skill Games. They’re Still Causing Havoc

Posted on: May 22, 2026, 10:29h. 

Last updated on: May 22, 2026, 10:29h.

Devin O'Connor @CasinoorgDevinO Read More
Expertise: Asia Pacific Gaming, Commercial Gaming, Legislation, Politics.
  • A skill game in Philadelphia was stolen early Thursday morning
  • Police believe the unregulated gaming machine contained about $8,000
  • Such gaming machines are generally banned within the City of Philadelphia

Pennsylvania skill games are generally banned within the City of Philadelphia. But the unregulated slot-like gaming machines continue to cause controversy.

Virginia skill games minimum payout
A skill game machine in Pennsylvania is played in December 2021. Despite a ban on the games in Philadelphia, the games continue to cause problems. (Image: Casino.org/Devin O’Connor)

Around 4 am on Thursday, police said a skill gaming terminal was stolen from the Sunoco gas station in the Tacony neighborhood. ABC6 Action News reports that two men walked into the convenience store, located at the corner of Torresdale and Cottman avenues, unplugged the machine, and wheeled it to the parking lot where they loaded it into a truck and made their getaway.

Police say the machine is thought to have contained approximately $8,000 when the thieves stole the terminal. Anyone with information on the crime is asked to contact the Philadelphia Police Department’s 15th District at 215-686-3150.

Skill Game Ban 

The City of Philadelphia implemented a ban on gaming machines and skill-based games in August 2024. The local law found favor among the City Council on the belief that the ban would reduce “nuisance behaviors in and around businesses to improve the health, safety, and welfare of the community.”

Businesses that hold a valid liquor license and at least 30 seats for customers to consume food and/or beverages are able to house up to five skill gaming devices. Winnings must be paid through electronic means, as cash payouts are no longer allowed.

Despite the city’s general ban on skill games, the terminals, commonly branded Pennsylvania Skill, continue to proliferate neighborhood bodegas and convenience stores like the Tacony Sunoco. Law enforcement officials report that the games remain an ongoing hub for crime and illicit activity.

On Dec. 12, 2020, 50-year-old Ashokkumar Patel was mopping the floor of a Sunoco Gas Station in Hazelton when a local drug dealer entered and murdered him in cold blood. Jafet De Jesus Rodriguez was later convicted of the crime and sentenced to life in prison. Rodriguez admitted that he was upset after losing thousands of dollars playing the store’s Pennsylvania Skill games.

Pace-O-Matic and Miele Manufacturing, which make the Pennsylvania Skill cabinets, were later found liable for Patel’s death and ordered to pay $15.3 million to Patel’s estate.

POM and Miele are appealing the judgment.

The death of Ashokkumar Patel is tragic and a terrible loss for his family. As for the lawsuit filed by Mr. Patel’s estate, we will continue to maintain that Pace-O-Matic is not connected in any way with the actions involved in the crime,” a statement from the company read.

“We will appeal and win,” the company declared.

State Supreme Court Decision

Last November, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court heard oral arguments on whether skill games are gambling games. Lower courts have ruled that the games’ skill components, which allow a player to partly dictate their payout rate, render them immune from Pennsylvania’s gambling law.

The skill games continue to operate in a gray area. The state Supreme Court is expected to render its decision in the coming weeks.