Pennsylvania and Gaming: Gaming Program to be Completed by Mid-2007

If you are wanting to begin a gaming business in the state of Pennsylvania, you must go through a licensure procedure in order to be able to operate in the state of Pennsylvania through the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board. In early 2006, Pennsylvania awarded six out-of-state (some from Las Vegas) gaming equipment companies licenses to distribute slot machines in Pennsylvania.

The business of Pennsylvania gaming is lucrative under the Pennsylvania gaming tax structure. Fifty-three percent of all revenues from gaming in Pennsylvania goes to state and local governments, so Pennsylvania is planning on having its gaming program completed by mid-2007, with the licensing of these six gaming equipment distribution businesses, seven racetracks, five stand-alone casinos, and two resort locations.

In 2004, the Pennsylvania Legislature had authorized 61,000 slot machines in approximately 14 locations around the state to operate. The licenses for the gaming businesses pertain to slot machines only, and the Las Vegas gaming machine suppliers are anxious to get started with the games in Pennsylvania. I'm sure that it doesn't take much to realize why.