The hammer is back down for the spread of truck stop-based video gaming terminals (VGTs) in the less populous areas of Pennsylvania, away from land-based casinos.
Truck Stop Slot. Truck Stop is a Microgaming release which offers reel enthusiasts an opportunity to play across five reels, three rows, and 9 winning paylines. The game was apparently inspired by the fast-paced lifestyle of truck drivers constantly traveling from place to place. Slot fans from the Land Down Under would surely be able to identify some of the symbols in use, especially the one containing the yellow sign, warning truck drivers about kangaroos in the vicinity. We wanted to know why are there so many slot machines at service stations and truck stops. Our research reveals that there are a whopping 7,237 slot machines installed across 112,781 surveyed gas.
For a time, the slot-like machines had quit rollin’ on, the VGT convoy a victim of the COVID-19 pandemic.
VGTs at truck stops idled by virus
In February, they generated a tax revenue income of $697,806. By April, the revenue number was a big fat zero. VGTs were shuttered along with casinos and horse racing in mid-March. Just recently, they were allowed to resume operations again.
This week, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) made a score of conditional approvals for preliminarily licensing for additional sites, according to a PGCB spokesperson. IGT had its Crystal line of VGTs approved for use in PA at the same PGCB hearing.
They were first rolled out in August 2019. And four new sites were fully licensed in April.
VGTs back on the road again
Eventually, there should be more than 60 VGT locations in the state. Perhaps 120 truck stops might meet the qualifying criteria, though not all have applied.
To date, 38 VGT licenses have been approved, though only 28 locations are operating.
Assuming five machines are in play at each operating site, that means just 140 machines are in use at all licensed sites.
However, authorities estimate there could be tens of thousands of unlicensed VGTs in the Quaker State.
VGT truck stop regs
By law, each VGT location may operate as many as five machines. The machines have randomly generated outcomes, like slots. They must have a return rate of 85%. The max bet is $5.
Additionally, to host VGTs, the truck stops must:
- Be equipped with diesel islands
- Have sold, on average, 50,000 gallons of diesel or biodiesel fuel every month for the previous 12 months, or be projected to sell an average of 50,000 gallons for the next 12 months
- Have at least 20 parking spaces dedicated for commercial motor vehicles
- Maintain a convenience store
- Be a PA Lottery Sales Agent
- Be situated on a lot no smaller than three acres not owned by the Pennsylvania Turnpike
PA charges operators a 52% tax on all revenues. Of that, 42% of the gross revenue goes into a Video Gaming Fund, which the state then deposits in its General Fund. Another 10% of the gross revenue goes to grants for counties, administered through the Commonwealth Finance Agency.
Proposal to greatly expand VGTs in PA on hold
In some states, such as Illinois, VGTs are far more widely available and actually bring in more revenue than riverboat casinos.
A PA state senator recently unsuccessfully floated a major expansion during closed-door discussions in the Republican caucus. The proposal would expand VGT licensing to include bars, social clubs and other locations with liquor licenses.
It failed to gain traction by recess, but both sides believe it could be back around November — budget time.
PGCB spokesman Doug Harbach said there was no consultation with the regulatory agency on the proposal. But PGCB is likely to oversee any expansion and placement of VGTs beyond those at truck stops, he added.
If your travels take you through Upstate New York, you’ll soon have another place to stop, refuel, eat and park.
Officials broke ground on Adirondack Food and Fuel Wednesday, July 10, for a 5,300-square-foot convenience store and food court that will be the final tenant of the Frankfort 5S South Business Park. The new store is located about 5 minutes from the New York State Thruway (Interstate 90) in the Mohawk Valley community of Frankfort.
The travel center will have:
- four diesel lanes, including three high-speed diesel pumps
- parking for 30 to 40 trucks
- a 20-seat food court
- made-to-order restaurant items
- a full line of grocery items
- truckers’ lounge with showers
- fleet services
- CAT scale
The complex is expected to be completed in November. It will be in the same business park as the Tractor Supply Company’s new distribution center.
Love’s offers free hot dogs next week
Professional drivers and other travelers will have an opportunity chance to get a free hot dog at Love’s Travel Stops Wednesday, July 17, National Hot Dog Day.
Related
TA Petro offers freebies on National Hot Dog Day
Buy one, get one free
Customers who present a barcode at checkout can enjoy a free hot dog or roller grill item. Customers can access the barcode for their free hot dog or roller grill item on Loves.com, the Love’s Connect app or Love’s social media accounts (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn) from 12:01 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. July 17.Registered Love’s Connect users will receive a notification with the barcode.
“Our customers are always moving, and love food options that are perfect for on the go,” said Mark Romig, director of merchandise for Love’s. “We’re delighted to meet those demands and show gratitude to Love’s amazing customers on National Hot Dog Day with free items.”
Rutters gets approvals for video slot machines
Rutter’s convenience store chain Wednesday, July 10, received approval for two more of its applications to run mini-slots parlors at some of its larger properties.
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board approved gaming licenses for stores
- on the 2100 block of Susquehanna Trail in Manchester Township, York County, near Exit 22 of Interstate 83
- in the 200 block of Kuhn Lane, Allegheny Township, Blair County
Rutter’s now has won three approvals to begin offering slots-style gambling. The licenses permit Rutters to offer play on up to five of the casino-style machines for patrons ages 21 and over.
Pennsylvania’s so-called truck stop gambling later this summer.
Rutter’s has applied to put machines in 21 of its 74 stores.
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