Penn National officially entered the market for truck-stop video gaming terminals (VGTs) created by last year’s Pennsylvania gaming expansion law. The operator announced a deal with convenience store chain Rutter’s to supply five VGTs to each of 20 Rutter’s stores across the state.
The VGT provision of the law permits qualifying truck stops to offer up to five VGTs each, and sets out the parameters for recognition as a truck stop.
Rutter’s announced last week that it has chosen Marquee by Penn, LLC, an affiliate of Penn National Gaming, Inc., as its terminal operator for VGTs in Pennsylvania. Twenty Rutter’s establishments in the state are expected to initially qualify to host VGTs.
“Rutter’s is a proud, Pennsylvania-based company with a storied history in the commonwealth and a proven commitment to the communities in which we serve,” said Scott Hartman, president and CEO of Rutter’s. “Penn National shares these same attributes, and we look forward to partnering with them to provide our customers the opportunity to enjoy playing VGTs at a number of our locations throughout Pennsylvania.”
The expansion law sets maximum bets for truck-stop VGTs at $5, with maximum payout limited to $1,000. Winnings will be paid out at redemption machines located on site. Any person under the age of 21 is prohibited from participating in VGT gaming, and the location of VGTs must be in an area segregated from minors and under the observation of an employee.
Penn National has received its conditional license from the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board to act as a terminal operator, and expects to provide and service the VGTs at the Rutter’s locations, subject to final regulatory approval by the PGCB. Rutter’s has filed its application with the PGCB to host VGTs at its initial 20 stores.
“We look forward to working with Rutter’s to introduce VGT gaming in the Commonwealth,” said John Finamore, senior vice president of regional operations for Penn National Gaming. “Like Rutter’s, we started with a single facility in central Pennsylvania. Today, we are the largest regional gaming operator in the United States with a demonstrated track record of providing quality entertainment and customer service. We are excited to combine our expertise with Rutter’s established success in the convenience store industry to offer VGT gaming at their qualified locations.”
