Pennsylvania lawmakers mull on legalized VGTs in bars

A Pennsylvania house panel is now eyeing to legalize video gambling terminals (VGTs) in bars and other businesses to help fill its budget deficit.

WITF reported that the House Gaming Oversight Committee has started its deliberation on whether to pass House Bill 1010, which would allow up to 35,000 terminals in bars, social clubs, and other such businesses.

The bill, according to its proponents, is an answer to plug financial budget gaps since the legalized VGTs will reap the state $100 million in its first year, and $500 million annually once it’s fully implemented.

“Instead of turning a blind eye to an illegal industry that’s going on in the state of Pennsylvania…this really does clean it up for everyone, and lets everyone play on a level playing field,” Democratic Representative Mike Sturla of Lancaster County – one of the bill’s biggest proponents – said, according to the news report.