Pennsylvania Vape Shops Lose Sales Under State Ban
Two Sunbury vape shops report steep losses after Pennsylvania restricted skill game machines and certain nicotine delivery products under Act 57.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Gambling
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Two Sunbury vape shops lost 75 percent of their business after Pennsylvania banned skill game machines and certain electronic nicotine delivery systems. The restrictions were enacted under Act 57, which prohibits sales of unapproved electronic nicotine products.
Why it matters
Act 57 is intended to keep harmful products out of the hands of children and adults, serving as a public health safety measure for the commonwealth. The ban has forced local retailers to absorb losses and reconsider their business models.
Two Sunbury shops reported a 75 percent drop in business after the ban. Banned rechargeable devices sold for about $25 every four days, while legal alternatives cost at least $30, and the state-approved list includes only about four flavors and no rechargeable devices.
The players
Pennsylvania
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania enacted Act 57 and the associated bans on skill game machines and unapproved electronic nicotine products.
The details
Owner Patel disposed of $30,000 worth of vaping inventory that could not be sold back to companies. Patel is transforming the Shikellamy Avenue location into a cigar bar and the Market Street store into a convenience-style shop.
Timeline
Act 57 was passed into law last year.
State officials banned skill games and certain nicotine products last month.
Legal Context
Act 57 restricts electronic nicotine sales to products approved by the FDA or under FDA review, rather than allowing broad market access. Retailers in Pennsylvania now face a narrower approved product list that excludes devices they previously sold.
Pennsylvania residents who buy vaping products may face higher prices and fewer flavor choices under the state-approved list. Adult consumers seeking rechargeable devices will find those options unavailable through legal channels.
The takeaway
Retailers and consumers affected by Act 57 should check the state-approved product list before purchasing or restocking. Business owners facing inventory losses may need to explore alternative store formats.
Further reading
For more on the state's skill game restrictions, see Gambling coverage across Pennsylvania.
More information
Review official state guidance on approved products at the Pennsylvania Attorney General's website.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Daily Item.
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