Proposal could bring slot machines to Pittsburgh Airport

PITTSBURGH — Travelers flying out of the Pittsburgh International Airport could have a chance to get lucky at the slot machines while waiting for their flight.

If passed, a new plan would make Pennsylvania the second state to allow slot machines at airports.

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The proposal by Rep. Nick Kotik, of Coraopolis, would allow casinos to partner with airports to open slot rooms for passengers, according to Channel 11's news exchange partners at TribLIVE.

Gamblers in Pennsylvania spent $3.16 billion gaming at the casino in 2012, according to the American Gaming Association. Nevada was the only state where gamers spent more, raking in $10 billion.

In the plan, casinos could have games for passengers at airports in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Erie, Harrisburg, the Lehigh Valley and Wilkes-Barre after negotiating revenue agreements.

Officials are behind the general concept of adding slot machines to airports for the opportunity for extra revenue.

"Hopefully, here it would be a revenue component for the airport. In addition, it's just another customer amenity for us; this would be something that adds to the experience for people that are interested," Allegheny County Airport Authority spokesman Bob Kerlik told TribLIVE.

The Pittsburgh International Airport sees about 8 million passengers every year.

WPXI