Pennsylvania Gaming Chairman Praises Casino Gambling Industry

In the state of Pennsylvania, the results from casino gambling have been what most states are expecting when they expand their laws. Jobs have been created, and revenue has come to the state to help with the budget deficit.

"Since the opening of the first slots casino in November 2006, legalized slots gaming has generated $2.2 billion in revenues directly returned to the state. These funds are being used to provide general property tax relief to all Pennsylvania homeowners....and provide thousands of new living wage jobs,' said the Chairman of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, Mary DiGiacomo Colins.

Colins was speaking at the 5th Annual Pennsylvania Gaming Congress and Mid-Atlantic Racing Forum in Harrisburg. Over 250 people listened to Colins tell of the good that has come of the states decision to legalize slot gambling.

During the keynote address Colins referred to the over 6,000 jobs that have been created by the casinos. It is true that some of the casinos have recently cut back employees, but the job loss has been minimal in comparison to the work that has been created.

Colins also touched on the responsibility of the state to continue to strictly enforce regulations on the casinos and to protect customers from any shady operations. New programs will be on the way to help in this area.

The state of Pennsylvania has been one of the leaders in casino expansion. In the coming year, two more casinos will be added in Bethlehem and Pittsburgh. Others that already exist are also in the process of expanding.

The Pittsburgh project has been in the works for some time now, but original licensee Don Barden could not find the financing to complete the job. He has since turned ownership over to billionaire Neil Bluhm, and the project is once again moving forward.

February 25, 2009
Posted By April Gardner
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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