Pennsylvania To Introduce First Satellite Casino

Pennsylvania is launching an innovative satellite casino in Morgantown. The platform represents the first satellite casino format in the state and it is expected to generate $4.3 million for the regional economy. However, the approval has not been supported on local ground.

Official Introduction

As a result of the Caernarvon Township Supervisorsˈ vote, the cutting-edge satellite casino has been endorsed. The supervisors organized an approval meeting which was attended by numerous residents who were against the imminent launch. The objections came without results and the board granted the premium satellite casino on the grounds of expected benefits. As reported by Penn National Gaming, the new casino will bring 255 temporary jobs together with 250 indefinite positions. The Caernarvon casino opening will also generate $1.6 million tax revenues per year.

Local Endeavours

Only a year ago, Pennsylvania lawmakers endorsed Gaming expansion bill, allowing the introduction of extra gaming facilities. Reacting on this attempt, Penn National struggled to overturn bill implementation. Later on, the national body agreed on a proposed expansion admitting its policy defeat.

The local casino provider placed a bid to launch a satellite casino. The efforts paid off after a $50 million proposal. According to the report, the operator chose a York County venue and Morgantown for another satellite. Morgantown seems to be a very convenient location, as it is only 20 minutes away from the most inhabited city in the state – Reading. Furthermore, Morgantown is only 40 minutes from Lancaster and 30 minutes from settled area, Philly Main Line.

Further Expectations

In the future, Pennsylvania could obtain more gambling facilities. According to the announcements, the owner of Parx casino, Greenwood Gaming, is planning to launch a satellite casino in Shippensburg. The other expected projects come from Mount Airy Casino and The Cordish Companies division. The Mount Airy operator works on satellite casino placed 30 miles north of Pittsburgh, while The Cordish Company division aims to launch a facility at the Westmoreland Mall, 45 minutes from Steel City.

Pennsylvania Legislation

PA allowed online casino gambling in October 2017. At the moment, this is the second-largest gambling market in the United States with 13 million people. As a reminder, NetEnt has just obtained a license to introduce its online games in the PA market. With all previous steps, we can see the state becoming a completely regulated and attractive market for gambling enthusiasts.

Source:

“Pennsylvania to get first satellite casino, locals not happy”, Erik Gibbs, calvinayre.com, March 15, 2019.