PA Truck Stop Gambling Finally Rolls Out With Rutter’s VGT Parlor

The list of gambling expansion markets that haven’t launched in Pennsylvania is getting smaller and smaller.

As of Friday, video gambling terminals (VGTs) are officially live in Pennsylvania. The truck stop gaming terminals debuted at a York, Pennsylvania Rutter’s. The store is one of 10 planned Rutter’s VGT parlors planned for 2019. Eventually, there will be 20 Rutter’s with VGT parlors.

What exactly is a VGT again?

VGTs were a hot topic when lawmakers debated the gambling expansion bill back in 2017. Most casinos were not excited to share the market for gambling with truck stops. Additionally, local lawmakers were concerned VGTs would turn every corner store into a casino.

Since the licensing process began for VGTs in early 2018, there hasn’t been too much in the news about the machines. Other than the ongoing battle in the Lancaster County area, VGTs kept a low profile.

So, if you are wondering what exactly a VGT is, you are likely not alone.

A video gambling terminal is essentially a gaming machine with a variety of casino games to choose from, including slots and video poker. In fact, gaming company Penn National supplies the machines to Rutter’s, so they bear a strong resemblance to some of the games you see in the casinos.

The max bet on these machines is $5. The most anyone can win on a single spin or pay is $1,000. Each site can host up to five machines. Like casino gambling, you must be at least 21 years old to play.

Should you want to impose limits on your VGT play, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) introduced a self-exclusion program specifically for these new gaming machines.

Where can I find VGTs in PA?

Currently, the York Rutter’s is the only option for those wanting to take these machines for a spin. To be very clear, not every Rutter’s is going to end up with VGTs in the next few months. Truck stops have to meet a very specific list of standards to qualify to offer VGT gaming.

Penn Live reports that Port Royal, Duncansville, and West Manchester are the next Rutter’s stores to launch VGTs. Expect to find VGTs at larger highway-adjacent truck stops with large parking lots to accommodate truck drivers.