State police are reminding businesses that operating skill games will become illegal Oct. 14 except for licensed casinos and truck stops.

Businesses operating or maintaining skill game devices or slot machines may be subject to criminal prosecution beginning Oct. 14, state police said in a Wednesday, Sept. 23, news release. They strongly recommended removal of the games. Ticket redemption terminals are also included, police said.

Powering off the skill games machines does not comply with the law, police said. Any businesses whose distributor or vendor is unwilling to remove the machines is encouraged to contact state police for assistance.

Police will not remove skills games prior to Oct. 14.

The ban comes after the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania ruled June 15 that skill games are considered slot machines, or gambling devices, as defined in the Gaming Act.

Skill game licenses are issued by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.