October 14 is the deadline for the removal of all "skill games" from businesses and establishments.

            In June the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled that skill games are considered "slot machines," as defined in the state gaming act. As such, they are considered gambling devices that can legally be possessed, operated, and maintained only by licensed casinos and qualifying licensed "truck stop establishments" that have been inspected and approved for operation by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.

            Unlicensed businesses and establishments were given 120 days to remove them or face enforcement actions including criminal charges and seizure and forfeiture of the machines, associated equipment and money associated with the operation of the machines.

            Pennsylvania's attorney general and the state police recommend that those hosting skill games machines remove them before October 14.  They warn that just unplugging or turning off otherwise working machines doesn't comply with the law — they must be removed.

            Time is running out.  This will especially hurt non-profits like veterans' clubs and volunteer fire companies that rely on the revenue to support their noble efforts.

            I urge the Pennsylvania legislature to extend the deadline while they work on a suitable tax and licensing process that will exempt non-profit groups from licensing fees.

            The work of these non-profit groups is too important to their communities to let time run out without taking any action.