York Fair Promotes Illegal Slot Machines Despite Pennsylvania Supreme Court Ruling

The York State Fair is known as America’s First Fair, dating back to 1765, or 11 years before the United States declared its independence. In 2026, the York Fair is doing something for the first time in its 261 years–offering gambling machines.

Only three days remain before the 2026 York State Fair opens. The fair runs July 24 through Aug. 2, with headlining performances from country music stars Brantley Gilbert and Rodney Atkins.

The fair, which originated as an agricultural exhibit, today celebrates York County’s rich farming history with modern carnival rides, live concerts, and traditional fair food. New for this year is that the York State Fair will also offer gambling.

In a Facebook post, the York Fair proudly announces that anyone aged 18 and older can test their luck for a chance to win money.

“Want to test your skills at this year’s York State Fair? Check out the skills games that will be located in Memorial Hall West, the Stats State Fair Honky Tonk, and the Longhorn Saloon,” the York Fair social media post read.

The message came with the notice, “Must be 18 years of age or older to play.” The advertisement came with an image showing that players have the chance to win up to $5,000.   

Skill Games Are Illegal in Pennsylvania

In June, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled that skill games constitute illegal gambling. The court dismissed claims that the controversial terminals are immune from the Pennsylvania Gaming Act because they include elements of skill and therefore their payout rates are not fully based on chance.

State estimates put the number of unregulated skill games operating across the commonwealth at approximately 70,000 machines. The PA Supreme Court’s ruling came with a 120-day stay, which allows the machines to remain operational until Oct. 27, 2026.

Before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s decision, lower courts had repeatedly ruled in favor of skill games, finding that the Gaming Act did not apply because players’ aptitude could influence the outcome of each play.

“Our General Assembly already has spoken clearly on this subject, particularly through a 2017 enactment that added new terms to the Gaming Act’s definition of a ‘slot machine,’ i.e., ‘skill slot machine’ and ‘hybrid slot machine,’ which make abundantly clear that the ‘skill’ element of the subject devices is not legally significant. That is to say, as it concerns their unregulated operation in unlicensed facilities throughout Pennsylvania, it is not this Court that declares ‘skill games’ to be unlawful. Rather, it is the General Assembly that did so nearly a decade ago,” Justice David Wecht wrote in the 4-2 majority.

For skill games to continue operating, the Pennsylvania General Assembly must pass legislation authorizing the machines.

Pennsylvania’s casinos oppose skill games, claiming they have no consumer safeguards and poach play from their physical gaming venues. Hollywood Casino York is a sponsor of the 2026 York State Fair.

York Fair Gambling Games

The Pennsylvania skill gaming market is dominated by games branded Pennsylvania Skill. Pace-O-Matic and Miele Manufacturing develop the Pennsylvania Skill games.

The skill games at the York State Fair, however, come from Pinnacle Vending, which is headquartered in Morrisville, Pa. Pinnacle’s skill gaming cabinets and terminals are branded Golden Eagle, Buffalo Chief, and Skill Games.