Convenience store organisation Rutter’s has announced it has selected Marquee by Penn, an affiliate of Penn National Gaming, as its operator of video gaming terminals within Pennsylvania.
It is expected that twenty establishments located within the Commonwealth are to initially qualify as a VGT host, with Rutter’s having filed its application with the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.
“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,” explained Scott Hartman, president & 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.”
Under an expanded gaming law signed by Governor Tom Wolf in 2017, should certain criteria be met establishments could be eligible to host a maximum of five VGTs inside their stores.
Similar to slot machines, the law stipulates maximum bets must be set at $5 with a maximum payout of $1,000, with winnings paid out at redemption machines located on site.
Any individual under the age of 21 is prohibited from gaming on a VGT, with the location of such machines having to be segregated from minors and under the observation of an employee.
John Finamore, senior vice president of regional operations for Penn National Gaming, commented: “We look forward to working with Rutter’s to introduce VGT gaming in the Commonwealth. 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.”
Penn has received its conditional licence from the PGCB to act as a terminal operator, and expects to provide and service the VGTs at the Rutter’s locations, subject to final regulatory approval.
