Slot machines were illegal in Pennsylvania under an 1805 law, prohibiting mechanical gambling devices.

In 1951, President Harry Truman signed legislation banning the interstate transportation of slot machines in violation of state law.

[4] Woodside, with Pennsylvania Governor John S. Fine's encouragement, undertook an enforcement campaign against the machines.

In Erie, the mayor, the police chief, and twelve others were found guilty in 1954 of bribery and conspiracy regarding the machines.

US Senator Hugh Scott strongly opposed Woodside and ran in opposition but withdrew when party leaders backed William Scranton, then relatively unknown.