(a) Issuance.--Notwithstanding any provisions of this part to the contrary, upon a finding that it is in the public interest, the board may issue a conditional slot machine license to a person who qualifies as a Category 1 license applicant upon payment of the fee pursuant to section 1209 (relating to slot machine license fee). This license may be issued after the completion of a background investigation of the applicant and each key employee and prior to full compliance by the applicant with section 1325 (relating to license or permit issuance).

(b) Suitability; financial capability.--An applicant shall provide the board with satisfactory evidence of suitability and financial capability of the applicant to be a slot machine licensee prior to the board granting the conditional license.

(c) Complete application.--No later than upon issuance of a conditional license, the applicant shall submit a complete application for a Category 1 license pursuant to section 1302 (relating to Category 1 slot machine license) as set forth by this part.

(d) Expiration.--If the holder of a conditional license does not receive board approval for the issuance of a Category 1 slot machine license under the standards set forth in this part within 18 months from the time set by the board pursuant to section 1301 (relating to authorized slot machine licenses) at which all applications are to be filed and deemed complete, the conditional license shall expire. Failure to meet the requirements of this part for licensure shall cause immediate forfeiture of the conditional slot machine license and revocation of authorization to operate slot machines at the licensed facility.

(e) Return of fee.--In the event of the expiration of a conditional license or the denial of an application for a slot machine license pursuant to section 1302, the applicant shall be entitled to a return of 85% of the conditional slot machine license fee it submitted with its application.