Pennsylvania gaming regulators recently issued as many as six licenses to slot machine manufacturers, allowing them to sell their machines across the state. The licenses are subject to 40 conditions posed by the Gaming Control Board to comply with state gambling law. The list of companies that were awarded a slots vending license includes Aristocrat Technologies Inc., NRT Technology Corp, International Game Technology (IGT), and WMS Gaming Inc.
Board members said that seven other applications for a slots manufacturer's license are still being reviewed. The remaining applicants are Atronic Americas LLC, Bally Gaming Inc., GTECH Corp., Spielo Manufacturing ULC, KONAMI Gaming Inc., KONAMI Corp., and Shuffle Master Inc.
In addition to the slots manufacturer licenses, the Board is expected to award casino operator licenses, some of which are likely to be issued by late this year. Board chairman Ted Decker was reported as saying that issuing these licenses represents a major step designed to develop the gaming industry in Pennsylvania. However, before these licenses are awarded, Pennsylvanians will have an opportunity to express their opinion regarding slots in two publicly-held hearings scheduled for April and May.
|
