Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday revealed that the Deibler Brothers Novelty Company, based in Schuylkill County, has pleaded guilty to a serious felony for running and installing hundreds of illegal gambling machines across the state. This guilty plea marks a key victory in the state’s fight against unlawful gambling operations.
The company admitted to operating in violation of state law by installing and maintaining illegal video gambling devices, often disguised as legitimate gaming or “skill” machines, in bars, convenience stores, and other public places across more than a dozen counties. Prosecutors said the actions ignored multiple warnings from state regulators.
The court sentenced Deibler Brothers Novelty Company to probation instead of jail time, but the financial consequences were steep. Judges ordered the company to forfeit $3 million in cash and property to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as part of the penalty.
This forfeiture, tied to illegal profits and assets gained through unlawful gambling operations, sends a strong message about the serious financial risks of flouting Pennsylvania’s gaming laws.
The criminal probe into Deibler Brothers was led by the Pennsylvania State Police and the Office of Attorney General, including work by the 50th Statewide Investigating Grand Jury. The investigation began years before the February 2026 guilty plea and uncovered how the company spread illegal video gambling devices in Pennsylvania locations.
Officials say the machines were often hidden with deceptive signage suggesting they were lawful gaming devices, when in fact they were illegal under state law. The operation reached across more than a dozen counties, highlighting the wide reach of the unlawful gambling network.
Attorney General Dave Sunday noted that this case was part of a broader effort to crack down on illegal gambling and the messy mix of illicit video gaming in the state. He said Deibler Brothers “snubbed its nose at state regulations” and continued despite repeated warnings.
The company’s owners, Arthur Deibler, Donald Deibler, and Joel Ney, were identified as central figures in the illegal gaming scheme. Prosecutors also tied them to Ricky Goodling, a retired Pennsylvania State Police corporal and former compliance director at gaming company Pace-O-Matic.
Goodling recently pleaded guilty to money laundering in a related case connected to the illegal gambling machine network. That separate but linked case shows how complex and interconnected the gambling violations were, involving both operators and insiders tied to larger gaming industry systems.
Attorney General Sunday said the conviction highlights the state’s commitment to responsible gambling enforcement and the importance of upholding Pennsylvania’s gaming laws. Illegal gambling machines, especially ones masquerading as legitimate devices, pose legal and ethical problems for communities and businesses alike.
This case also comes amid ongoing debates in Pennsylvania around “skill games” and other unregulated video machines. Some gaming devices, like those produced by companies such as Pace-O-Matic, operate in a legal grey zone because they include an element of skill. Lawmakers and courts have disagreed about whether such machines constitute gambling or legal amusement devices.
However, machines that give cash payouts purely by chance, without meaningful player skill, are clearly illegal without state licensure. Prosecutors argue the machines installed by Deibler Brothers fell into this illegal category, even when cloaked in signs claiming otherwise.
The Deibler Brothers Novelty Company conviction and its accompanying $3 million gambling asset forfeiture show that Pennsylvania is serious about tackling illegal gambling. The case reinforces state efforts to separate lawful entertainment from unlawful betting activity, protecting both consumers and legal gaming operators.
Disclaimer: All news published on Times Of Casino is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, financial, investment, or professional advice. While we strive for accuracy, the online gambling industry evolves quickly, and information may change. Times Of Casino is not liable for any losses resulting from the use of this content. Readers are advised to verify information independently and consult professionals before taking action related to casinos, its affiliates, or gambling services.
Why Trust Times Of Casino: All products and services featured on this page have been independently reviewed and evaluated by our team of experts to provide you with accurate and reliable information. Learn how we rate.
See less
