VGT bill paves way for gaming expansion in Pennsylvania

A bill proposing the legalisation of video gaming terminals in Pennsylvania highlights the potential expansion of licensed gaming.

US.- Republican and Senate Majority leader Jake Corman’s SB 1256 proposes legalising video gaming terminals and “skill games” in a bid to curb the widespread phenomenon of unlicensed machines in the state.

The bill would allow for VGT machines and skill games to feature in licensed liquor establishments such as bars, restaurants, clubs and golf courses.

A proportion of the revenue generated for the state would then be funnelled into programmes for Pennsylvania’s senior citizens to replace the likley losses in Lottery revenue which already funds this section of the population.

A clause allows individual municipalities to prohibit the machines within their own territories.

Existing agreements regarding machines would be declared void, and establishments that provide unregulated devices would face prosecution.

The bill does not specify the level of taxation which would be placed on the VGTs or precisely how many machines would be permitted. It did however declare that establishments containing VGTs would receive 25 per cent of the generated revenue.

Despite the bill’s introduction, changes are not expected any time soon. Corman’s spokeswoman said when asked on the matter: “There’s not really much to say. Talks are continuing on the issues.”