Las Vegas Sands launch $1m anti-VGT campaign in Pennsylvania

Casino operator Las Vegas Sands has mounted a public relations campaign against a proposal to allow video gaming terminals (VGT) in Pennsylvania bars and clubs.

The Allentown Morning Call reported that Sands has allocated over $1m to fund an astroturf group it’s calling Pennsylvanians For Responsible Government (PFRG) to fight the proposed House Bill 1010, which would allow thousands of the state’s pubs, clubs and other small venues to add up to five VGTs apiece.

The Sands-sponsored group has launched a website at 12000pacasinos.com to educate Pennsylvanians of legislators’ plan ‘to put blackjack and poker machines in delis, restaurants, bars, pizza shops and social clubs. Even nursing homes!” The site comes with a handy interactive map to show just how close to residents’ “schools, churches and playgrounds” these new mini-casinos will be located.

In addition to the website, PFRG plans to launch radio and television commercials (viewable below) to ensure maximum awareness of HB1010, which PFRG claims will reduce not only real brick-and-mortar casino revenue but jeopardize the jobs of thousands of casino employees.