VGT Tax Revenue Over $1.2 Million

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) announced Jan. 7 that at the end of 2019 there were a total of 100 video gaming terminals (VGTs) at 20 qualified truck stops operating in the commonwealth that generated over $1.2 million in tax revenue.

All of the locations thus far are offering the gaming under two licensed VGT operators, Marquee by Penn, LLC. Each of the 20 locations have the maximum of 5 VGTs in operation.

The process to open VGT establishments begins with the PGCB conducting on-site inspections of establishments that have applied to ensure that they adhere to the essential elements under the Gaming Expansion Act prior to approval by the Board for licensing. Following the award and prior to gaining authorization to commence VGT gaming, PGCB staff conducts a pre-implementation inspection at the establishment to ensure that the video gaming area is in compliance with both the law and regulations.

There is also testing of the machines to ensure that each operates correctly and each is connected to the Pa. Department of Revenue’s Central Control Computer System.

Patrons of VGT machines must be 21 years of age and can self-exclude from participating in VGT gaming through the PGCB.

A total of 52 percent of gross VGT revenue is collected by the commonwealth in taxes, including 42 percent deposited into Pennsylvania’s General Fund and 10 percent of the gross revenue used for grants under the administration of the Commonwealth Finance Agency.

Since the first VGT establishment was launched in August 2019, tax revenue through Dec. 31, 2019, was $1,211,361 based on gross revenue of $2,329,540.

A detailed revenue report for the month of December and for calendar year 2019 will be available on the PGCB website after Jan. 15.