Long before Gov. Rendell’s signature was affixed yesterday to legislation legalizing table games in Pennsylvania, casino owners were strategizing how to reconfigure their gaming floors, how many games they would start with, and how many and which new positions to fill.
Now, they have the green light.
“Now, it’s action time,” said Bob Green, chairman of Greenwood Gaming & Entertainment Inc., owner and operator of Pennsylvania’s most profitable gambling hall, PhiladelphiaPark Casino & Racetrack in Bensalem.
It will take anywhere from 3 to 9 months for the games to be on board and staffs to be acquired, but this is great for the Pennsylvania casinos and, of course, bad for the Atlantic City casinos as they operate today.
I firmly believe that this increased competition to Atlantic City will only make the New Jersey casinos better in the long run. Now it’s time for them to put up or shut up.
I think my first taste of PA casinos will be Mount Airy Casino
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
PA Sands is a *really* nice casino in Bethlehem, PA. The casino floor is very open and there are a bunch of great places to eat (and free parking – take that AC!) Table games will make it a great joint. I read an article yesterday saying the addition of table games will allow them to start working on non-gambling amenities. Hotel? Event halls?
With the exception of the Borgata, AC is getting pretty busted. The Tropicana addition gives them a little style, but the low-ceiling, maze of a casino makes you want to run out of there as quick as possible. I hope you’re right about AC improving. I was psyched about all the projects that were popping up before the economic meltdown, but the existing casinos have a long way to go as well.
Brandon, thanks for the tip on Sands. I’ve heard mixed reviews so far. A hotel was under construction across the street, but I’m not sure about the progress.
Harrah’s is a close second in airy feel to Borgata. I love the Trop, but the gambling area has that low ceiling feel.
Gonna follow you on twitter now.
{ 1 trackback }