Decision Could Finally Be Made On Pa. Casino Project Next Week

The casino project that once looked so promising in Pittsburgh has come to a screeching halt. Not only has the project been in limbo, but the State Gaming Control Board has been dragging their feet in issuing a decision on the latest proposal.

Developer Don Barden was the one who originally won the right to the license and began the project. He fell short in securing the financing needed to complete the project.

Enter billionaire Neil Bluhm. He volunteered to take over the project and become the new owner. The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board has given no indication as to whether they would approve him as the new owner of the casino.

Some of the lawmakers in the state believe that Barden's license should be revoked and not transferred. they feel that the state should once again take open bids on the project.

Others believe that would be a dangerous proposition. With the economy it its current state, they believe it would be hard to find a group willing to come in and take the project over.

The Gaming Board has set a hearing for Thursday in Harrisburg to hear presentations from agency investigators and also public comment. Hopefully, a decision will come down soon after that.

August 9, 2008
Posted By April Gardner
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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