The state House recently passed legislation that would allow Lancaster County municipalities to prohibit video gaming terminals (VGTs) at local truck stops.
A 2017 law authorized VGTs as the expansion of gambling in Pennsylvania. The law created 10 new mini-casino licenses and a variety of online gambling options. Municipalities were authorized to opt-out of allowing a mini-casino within their jurisdictions but were not given the same power regarding VGTs.
More than 1,000 municipalities have adopted resolutions prohibiting the construction of casinos. This includes all 60 municipalities in Lancaster County.
The bill would apply to Lancaster County and any other county that meets certain population and other requirements. Municipalities would have 60 days to decline VGTs at truck stops within their borders by passing a resolution. Municipalities could opt-in later through the same process.
The bill was sponsored by Sens. Scott Martin (R-Lancaster) and Ryan Aument (R-Landisville).
“Lancaster County has fiercely fought back against the idea of establishing new gambling venues here, and it is encouraging to see lawmakers on both sides of the aisle and in both chambers of the General Assembly stand up for the rights of our local residents,” Aument said.
The bill now moves to Gov. Tom Wolf for his signature.