Penn National to operate slots-like gaming terminals at 20 Rutter’s locations, pending approval from the state Gaming Control Board. Pennsylvania convenience store chain Rutter’s today announced that it has selected an affiliate of casino operator Penn National Gaming to operate video gaming terminals (VGTs) at its properties. VGTs are similar to slot machines, and the law sets maximum bets at $5 with a maximum payout of $1,000, according to a release by Rutter’s and Penn National Gaming. VGTs have a randomly generated. Five machines are inside the room allowing people to play multiple games of chance. The maximum wager is $5 and $1,000 maximum payout for each spin. However, not everyone is into the idea of gaming.
Rutter's is expanding its footprint in Lebanon.
On Thursday, Feb. 27, Rutter's announced the opening of its second Lebanon County location at 1621 W. Cumberland St. The store is the 78th Rutter's location for the central Pennsylvania-based business.
The 8,800-square-foot location will feature 14 fueling stations, five high-speed diesel truck lanes and a beer cave.
The store is also waiting for approval for its Video Game Terminal Room application, according to a news release. Rutter's unveiled its Video Game Terminals in August, a 5-machine virtual gambling section available at select locations.
“Lebanon is an area that is growing tremendously in Pennsylvania,” Rutter's VP of marketing Robert Perkins said in a statement. “As a company, we look forward to being a part of that growth through jobs and charitable giving. We can’t wait to serve the Lebanon community.”
© Neil Strebig, York Daily Record On Monday, June 10 the New Freedom Borough Council approved the transfer of a liquor license for use at the Rutter's at the intersection of Broad and E. Main Street.More: Another inmate with dreadlocks says Lebanon kept him in solitary
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The West Cumberland Street site will be open 24 hours and has created 50 new jobs. A grand opening ceremony will be held on Wednesday, March 18.
Rutter's operates 78 locations throughout central Pennsylvania, Maryland and West Virginia.
Neil Strebig is the food & drink reporter for the York Daily Record and curator for the York on the Move newsletter. He can be reached at nstrebig@ydr.com, 717-825-6582 or via Twitter @neilStrebig.
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This article originally appeared on Lebanon Daily News: Rutter's opens second Lebanon County location with beer cave, gambling machines
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?
Rutters Gambling Machines
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.