Legislators look at raising venues’ VLT allowance - Euroslot - the independent voice of the amusement and gambling industry

Legislators look at raising venues’ VLT allowance

Published: 08 March, 2012

Suffering the lowest video lottery terminal (VLT) revenues last year since 1995, at $95m, South Dakota legislators may vote to raise the number of machines permitted at each location from the current ten to 14.

Many operators blame the South Dakota smoking ban, which took effect in late 2010. VLT revenues have since fallen by between 17 and 35 percent.

Of the 14 machines, at least four would feature slot-type line games, a new option legalised last year for the VLT sector. Senate Bill 175 has passed through preliminary steps, but requires further legislative approval.

A South Dakota Association of Video Lottery Establishments spokesperson said that of the state’s 1400 VLT locations, almost 450 already have the current maximum of ten machines and could upgrade.

But although the Music & Vending Association of South Dakota reported that operators hoped for the ability to increase VLT maximum bet limits from $2 to $5, the state senate rejected that proposal.

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