A former national compliance director at Pace-O-Matic faces racketeering charges for allegedly operating an illegal gambling scheme in Pennsylvania. Rick Goodling, who previously served as a Pennsylvania State Police corporal, is accused of accepting over $500,000 in bribes to suppress complaints about illegal slot machines.

According to prosecutors, Goodling allegedly helped banned distributors, including Deibler Brothers Novelty Co., obtain Pace-O-Matic games despite violations of company regulations. When other operators complained, Goodling reportedly used his position to dismiss these concerns.

The charges resulted from a multi-year undercover FBI and state police investigation, during which an undercover detective worked within Pace-O-Matic's compliance team under Goodling's supervision. The compliance team, primarily staffed by former state troopers and liquor enforcement officers, was responsible for ensuring the legitimate operation of skill-based gaming machines.

Pace-O-Matic, Pennsylvania's largest skill games supplier, maintains that their machines are legal due to their skill-based features. The company terminated Goodling in late 2023 after learning of a federal tax investigation and has stated they are not connected to the alleged crimes.

In response to the incident, Pace-O-Matic has strengthened its compliance department under former state police commissioner Frank Noonan's leadership.

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