SIOUX FALLS, SD — A city vs. state lawsuit may be brewing here over which level of government has the statutory authority to regulate placement of video lottery terminals, which have been legal in South Dakota for 19 years.

The city council here plans a May 5 vote on an ordinance that would extend years-old local regulation of the placement of video lottery terminals. Under current rules, VTL machines are already illegal within 2,000 feet of parks or schools. However, gaming establishments with full liquor licenses have been escaping the ban, saying they answer to state regulators, not local authorities. The city council's ordinance would close that loophole.

State secretary of revenue Paul Kinsman said the administration of Gov. Mike Rounds holds that only the state can regulate the placement of such games. City council members said they plan to vote for the measure anyway.

The South Dakota Lottery pioneered America's first state video lottery in 1989. Since that launch, VLTs have provided more than $1 billion in revenue to the state. Privately held operating companies are allowed to participate in the VLT market.

For more of the story, visit: Vending Times

NEW YORK CITY — Betson Enterprises on April 17 hosted over 20 top national entertainment journalists from AOL, CNet and the Associated Press, among other outlets, to see and play the new Play Mechanix videogame, Big Buck Safari. The invitation- only event, Betson's second "New York Media Night," took place at the Black Bear Lodge here in the trendy Gramercy-Flatiron district.

For more of the story, visit: Vending Times

SAN FRANCISCO — Hornitos Tequila, a member of the Sauza family, has launched an interactive promotion on Ecast's touchscreen media network. Timing of the campaign, which will promote the brand to tequila drinkers, runs through Cinco de Mayo (May 5), a celebration of Mexican culture and heritage.

For more of the story, visit: Vending Times

SAYERVILLE, NJ — Coast to Coast Entertainment said it will continue to offer free shipping on all Plush Pak purchases through 2008. Chief executive Gary Balaban said the company has worked closely with suppliers to significantly reduce costs on all plush inventories for this year.

For more of the story, visit: Vending Times