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A former executive of skill game company Pace-O-Matic has pleaded guilty to money laundering charges in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. Ricky Goodling, 59, of Mechanicsburg, admitted to accepting hundreds of thousands of dollars in payoffs from non-compliant distributors and operators instead of reporting them.
According to Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday's office, Goodling, who served as the Director of National Compliance for Pace-O-Matic, laundered the illegal payments through a sham company he created called "Rest and Relaxation, LLC."
"The defendant pleaded guilty to a very serious charge and took accountability for his conduct, which was fueled by personal greed," Attorney General Sunday said. "His actions contributed to the disorganized and problematic environment in which these games exist in the Commonwealth."
The joint investigation was conducted by the Pennsylvania State Police and the Office of Attorney General. Goodling, a retired Pennsylvania State Police corporal, pleaded guilty on Tuesday (February 4) to charges of dealing in proceeds of unlawful activities, a first-degree felony. He also pleaded guilty in federal court to tax crimes on the same day.
Pace-O-Matic released a statement distancing itself from Goodling's actions: "Pace-O-Matic is deeply troubled today by the guilty plea of Mr. Goodling for conspiracy with others to underreport his taxable income. While we continue to monitor the situation, law enforcement has assured us that Pace-O-Matic is not involved in or connected with any of the actions of Mr. Goodling. Upon first learning of an investigation into Mr. Goodling's actions in November 2023, Pace-O-Matic immediately severed his employment."
The case highlights ongoing issues with skill games in Pennsylvania, which have operated in a regulatory gray area for years. Governor Josh Shapiro recently called on lawmakers to pass regulations for skill games during his budget address this week.
Goodling is scheduled to be sentenced on April 28, 2026.