Texas-based Athena will provide these casinos with secure entryways for guests and staff, with a new entry solution that scans for weapons, temperature and works to identify people of interest. The system is fully automated, removing the need for staff to stop people and check their belongings.

The weapons detection system uses a range of sensors to detect guns, with the temperature measuring system accurate to within +-0.2 degrees Celsius.

Athena Co-Founder and CEO Michael Green said: "Getting approval from the Pennsylvania gaming commission to provide our weapons detection system to casinos is a big step for the local communities, to feel safer while enjoying these local gaming locations."

Over 14 licensed casinos currently operate in Pennsylvania, with an additional 18 online casinos and 15 online sportsbooks.

The state of Pennsylvania reported a record $5bn revenue for the first 12 months through 30 June 2022, as the industry saw a post-pandemic resurgence. The figure represented a 30% increase from the $3.9bn total of the previous year.

The online gambling sector exceeded revenue of $1.2bn, with sports betting contributing $325m to the state’s total revenue.

However, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board was named in a lawsuit filed by Pace-O-Matic in June 2022, with the skill-based gaming company alleging the regulator “executed a direct assault“ on the skill game industry; at “the urging, behest and direct direction of big casino interests.”