Pennsylvania senate sets date to discuss VGTs

Proposed changes could enable up to 85,000 more VGTs in the state.

US.- The Pennsylvania Senate will discuss a new bill on video gaming terminals (VGTs) and skill games on October 6.

The hearing will debate Senate Bill 1256, a proposal sponsored by Senate majority leader Jake Corman which seeks to expand VGTs in the state and would legalise so-called skill games.

The bill aims to is to ensure tight regulation on the terminals already in place. Those in favour argue that it will bring extra funds to the state through taxes, although the exact amount has not been clarified.

Executives from the state’s 13 casinos have submitted a letter opposing the the bill.

They said: “[The bill] would cause tremendous damage to our industry and the nearly 20,000 Pennsylvanians we are proud to employ, as well as negatively impact the Pennsylvania Lottery and the public interest.”

“The bill is bad public policy and comes as our industry continues to reopen after remaining shuttered for nearly four months due to the Covid-19 pandemic.”