Town Spirits Are Lifted With Opening Of Sands Bethlehem Casino

In these tough economic times, any little thing that can help brighten somebody's day is greatly appreciated. That little thing on Friday turned out to be the colossal casino.

The Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem opened to thousands of excited patrons in Pennsylvania. Excitement was in the air as people sat down to take their first shots at major slot jackpots.

"I have been waiting for a long time for a casino that is this close to my house," said Gilbert Marks, "my wife and I have always traveled to Las Vegas For our casino entertainment, now we can just go down the road."

The casino resort is a thing of beauty with a price tag of $743 million. The patrons were lined up on Friday before the casino was even open. Once it opened, twenty minutes earlier than expected, the mobs of people scattered to find a machine they could call their own for the day.

"It was crazy," said Marks, "people were running everywhere and the machines were filling up quickly. Luckily we were able to get on one and my wife actually won fifty bucks."

That was what the night was about. It was not about money, but more about the hope of a town that has been drained because of the economy. One night. One Casino. A lifetime of memories.

May 23, 2009
Posted By April Gardner
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
Submit News!

College Gambling The Focus Of Fort Wayne, Indiana, Seminar
Gambling Resumes Saturday At St. Louis Casino After Flood
Software Developer Completes Remote Upgrade for PA Lottery
Senecas Shift Focus From Buffalo To Catskills For New Casino
History Repeating Itself As Golden Gaming Pulls Kansas Casino Bid