The lottery director panel on video lottery terminals (VLTs) and table gaming focused on annual turnover and product innovation.
Delaware: “We are down because of competition. We expect the opening of National Harbor will hurt us as well,” said Delaware Lottery Director Vernon Kirk. “We would like to get more of our locations to take Mega Hits. That is the five-state progressive jackpot.”
Rhode Island: “We create a free market on the VLT floor. Licensed games are very limited because of the fees. There is always this debate with licensed games as to whether they bring in new players or just move revenue around the floor,” said Rhode Island Lottery Director Gerald Aubin. “It is important to remember that innovation costs money. The more expensive a VLT is the longer it takes to amortize it. I want newer, better games with free play.”
South Dakota: “We are hampered by old legacy games, keno being the number one game. We are starting to see good traction with our poker machines,” said South Dakota Lottery Executive Director Norman Lingle. “We limit the number of machines per establishment. On our wish list would be going from a $2 max bet to $5 and up the maximum prize. I would love to have a small progressive.”
West Virginia: “Our VLT sales will probably decline because of the condition of the West Virginia economy. We have seen 20 casinos open around us,” said West Virginia Lottery Interim Director John Myers. “I would like to see more innovation in the gaming space. Our locations are destinations so we need more engaging games, shows and entertainment.”
