Video Gaming Up and Running in McElhattan
McELHATTAN – Bald Eagle Travel Stop in McElhattan is the first truck stop in north-central Pennsylvania to open a video gaming terminal lounge. The truck stop is only the second independently owned establishment in Pennsylvania to go live with the games. This accomplishment was made possible due to the passage of the Expanded Gaming Act in 2017 that allows truck stops, including small business owners, to participate in the Pennsylvania gaming industry.
Bald Eagle Travel Plaza was approved for the gaming lounge by the PA Gaming Control Board after an arduous background check and facility review. The Video Gaming Terminals are low-stake slot machines monitored by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board. Each approved facility is allowed to have up to 5 Video Gaming Terminals.
Owner of the Bald Eagle Travel Plaza, Sunny Singh, bought the property in 2006, and fully renovated the facility with modern upgrades and patron offerings in 2009, including a dining area, Subway, Chester’s Chicken, and beer sales. “Video Gaming will add another entertainment feature for all of my patrons and truck drivers. Customers have been anxious and excited for the opening of the gaming lounge,” he said.
A release from the terminal operator said the owners of Bald Eagle Travel Plaza partnered with Commonwealth Gaming as their terminal operator due to the latter’s knowledge and experience in the video gaming industry, their design capabilities, and their ability to professionally service the gaming area. Commonwealth Gaming is based in the Harrisburg area and actively fought for the gaming expansion in Pennsylvania since 2015.
Bald Eagle Travel Stop is located at 612 McElhattan Drive. Mr. Singh is in the process of developing another travel plaza off Paul Mack Boulevard in Lock Haven.
