A retired state police officer turned compliance director for Pace-O-Matic, a gaming company known for its controversial skill games, faces allegations of corruption. Ricky Goodling, who once helped regulate the gaming industry, is now accused of fostering the illegal spread of gambling devices across Pennsylvania.
Allegations of Racketeering and Corruption
Ricky Goodling, formerly the national compliance director for Pace-O-Matic, has been charged with racketeering, conspiracy, and related crimes by the Pennsylvania attorney general’s office. Prosecutors allege that Goodling accepted over $500,000 in kickbacks during his tenure. These funds reportedly came from individuals seeking to expand the illegal use of gambling devices under the guise of legal gaming.
Goodling, a retired state police corporal, is accused of abusing his insider knowledge to obstruct complaints about illegal slot machines. Authorities also claim he facilitated the acquisition of Pace-O-Matic machines for distributors of illegal devices. This, prosecutors argue, was a strategy to shield operations from law enforcement investigations.
A Years-Long Undercover Investigation
The charges follow an extensive investigation led by the Pennsylvania State Police. According to reports, undercover officers spent years gathering evidence of corruption within the state’s skill gaming industry. Goodling’s role as compliance director placed him at the center of efforts to regulate gaming devices, yet investigators allege he used this position to benefit illegal operators instead.
The attorney general’s office has not disclosed all evidence but confirmed that undercover activities revealed systematic efforts by Goodling to aid the proliferation of illegal machines. His alleged actions are seen as undermining the integrity of the state’s gaming laws.
What Are Skill Games?
Skill games, marketed as legal alternatives to slot machines, have been a contentious issue in Pennsylvania for years. Unlike traditional gambling devices, these machines claim to require a level of player skill to win, positioning them in a legal grey area. Critics argue they are nothing more than disguised slot machines, while proponents maintain they are distinct from regulated casino games.
Pace-O-Matic, based in Georgia, has been a leading provider of skill games in Pennsylvania. The company has faced numerous legal challenges over the years, with authorities frequently scrutinising its operations. Goodling’s alleged involvement in illegal activities adds a new dimension to the controversy surrounding these machines.
The Wider Impact on Pennsylvania Communities
The proliferation of illegal gambling devices has long been a concern for Pennsylvania communities. These machines often appear in bars, convenience stores, and other public spaces, drawing criticism for their unregulated nature. Unlike licensed casino games, illegal devices contribute nothing to the state in terms of taxes or oversight.
State officials have expressed concern over the potential social consequences of these devices, including their accessibility to vulnerable populations. Goodling’s alleged actions, if proven, may have contributed to these broader issues, highlighting the challenges of regulating an industry often described as the “Wild West” of gaming.
The Numbers Behind the Problem
Illegal gambling machines have exploded in popularity across Pennsylvania, with estimates suggesting tens of thousands are currently in operation. Legal casinos, by comparison, are heavily regulated and subject to strict oversight, generating billions in tax revenue for the state annually. By contrast, illegal devices siphon money away from public coffers and into the pockets of private operators.
A Troubled Industry Under Scrutiny
The charges against Goodling cast a shadow over the skill gaming industry and its ongoing battle for legitimacy. Critics have called for stricter enforcement of gambling laws, while supporters of skill games argue that clearer regulations are needed to distinguish legal operations from illegal ones.
Pace-O-Matic, for its part, has distanced itself from Goodling, noting that he left the company in 2023. In a statement, the company emphasised its commitment to compliance and legal standards. However, the allegations against a former high-ranking executive may damage its credibility as it continues to defend its machines in court.
