Pennsylvania Approves Truck Stop Video Slots: The Implications

In April 2019, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) approved some licenses that allow truck stops to have video gambling machines on their premises.They have become known as ‘truck stop establishments’ in PGCB jargon.

There were five licenses issued.Four are placed along Interstate 80, one of the state’s main transit corridors.The fifth is situated along another busy thoroughfare, Route 22.

How it works

According to those issued licenses, truck stop establishments may have up to five video gaming terminals (VGTs).These terminals work much like those on a casino floor.Due to a limited number of approved sites, pa online slots continue to flourish, with Parx Casino noting a marked increase in its volume of players.

Pennsylvania truck stop VGTs must offer an 85% minimum theoretical payout, the same player return rate that slot machines in physical casinos must have.

Having licensed rights to operate VGTs is leading to enhanced competition for small businesses that are all seeking to get their fingers into this highly lucrative pie.

License requirements

Several applicants for ‘truck stop establishment’ status faced rejection owing to a failure to comply with the PGCB’s strict physical requirements.These include a property size of at least three acres, diesel sales located on a separate island, a parking area to accommodate 20 commercial vehicles, and diesel sales topping 50,000 gallons monthly.

In addition to meeting the physical requirements, successful applicants must also demonstrate that employees who supervise gaming are licensed and trained.Vendors must also maintain records and submit them to the PGCB for auditing.

The unsuccessful applicants

Rutter’s, a New-York based convenience store chain, was among the first to petition for rights to have VGTs at truck stops in Pennsylvania.Despite claiming that 20 of its stores met the PGCB requirements, they did not get a single license.

The chain has faced some backlash from its campaign, with more conservative residents opposing a spread of gambling beyond physical casinos and online slots.

A pilot project

It is estimated that thousands of bars, restaurants, stores, and truck stops are operating illegal VGTs, and the licensing process means to remedy this situation.By allowing these establishments to apply for licenses, regulations intended to protect vendors and customers can be implemented.

A decision to license these select ‘truck stop establishments’ is a pilot project.The board intends to spread the program gradually, depending on this project’s success.

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Created on Aug 24th 2020 08:34. Viewed 170 times.

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