Why Pennsylvania Getting Table Games Matters

by Marc on September 23, 2009

in Atlantic City,Pennsylvania


Since ECG started earlier this year I’ve shied away from covering Pennsylvania casinos for two reasons.  Reason #1. I don’t visit PA casinos, so I don’t have first hand perspective.  Reason #2. Casinos without table games aren’t really casinos to me.  Everything changed last week when PA approved table games to become legal in casinos.  This opened my mind to potentially trading in some of my Atlantic City gambling trips to go to PA.

I’ve read quite a few pieces but there was some excellent information in a recent Atlantic City Press story.  Here are some of the highlights.

  • Poker tables will be ready to go in 3-6 months.  That’s December 09 – Feb 10.
  • Other table games will be running in 6-9 months.  Feb 10 – May 10.  So, by spring.
  • Table games should bring in $200,000 for Pennsylvania’s budget.
  • Table games make up about 30% of taxable income for Atlantic City casinos.
  • Mount Airy Casino is 75 minutes from New York City.  Atlantic City is a little more than 120 minutes away.
  • About 25% of Atlantic City visitors are from New York, while 22-25% are from Pennsylvania.
  • Initial estimates have Atlantic City casino revenue falling 4% overall and 12.5% in table games.

The article also reiterates my thoughts that Resorts and Hilton should be the first to feel any push from the legal table games.  Nice to know my instincts are on par with a high paid securities analyst.

Nice accommodations, excellent steak options and good gambling are important to me.  When I last checked video poker pay tables weren’t very good.  I’ll wait until the games are up and running before I research again and make any decisions.  In the meantime I’ll tease myself by looking at some of the dining and accommodations during the winter.

{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }

jmp14 September 23, 2009 at 5:42 pm

man, I’d better start bringin’ it with the NFL picks or you’re gonna can my @$$. I’ve actually been to AC more times in the past year than a PA racino (3 to 1). In my defense, I have kids ;)

Reply

Leave a Comment

{ 1 trackback }

Previous post:

Next post: