Part I: Games & Gaming · Slot Machines & Electronic Gaming
VLT (Video Lottery Terminal)
Slot Technology
An electronic gaming machine operated by or on behalf of a state lottery authority, typically found in racetracks, bars, and licensed retail locations rather than traditional casinos. VLTs differ from standard casino slot machines in several key respects: outcomes may be determined by a central lottery system (rather than an individual machine RNG), the game library and pay tables are approved and controlled by the lottery authority, and revenue distribution follows lottery rather than casino regulatory frameworks. VLTs are common in jurisdictions where full casino gambling is restricted, including several US states, Canadian provinces, and some European countries.
In practice
In the United States, VLTs are classified as Class II gaming devices under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act when operated by tribal gaming authorities. Some VLT systems use a “bingo” or “pull-tab” determination model rather than true RNG-based reel outcomes.
Related terms
More in Slot Technology
PAR Sheet·Hit Frequency·Volatility / Variance·Denomination (Denom)·Credit·TITO (Ticket-In-Ticket-Out)·Virtual Reel·Server-Based Gaming
One entry from the Casino Industry Glossary — 1,157 terms written for surveillance, compliance and operations professionals rather than for players. Definitions describe industry usage; where a term carries a regulatory meaning, verify against the instrument that governs your jurisdiction.