Residences and a Crayola crayon factory now occupy the parcel in Easton. By securing land rights in the state, the tribe would gain the right to build a casino here.
Meanwhile, efforts to legalize slots are stalled over the issue of whether or not Indian tribes will be permitted to apply for slot machine licenses. Gov. Ed Rendell strongly favors legalized slots because taxes on them would help to significantly reduce property taxes here. However, he does not favor allowing slots at tribe-owned casinos, which operate tax free.
Many legislators, however, led by State Sen. Vincent Fumo of Philadelphia, favor allowing Indian tribes to apply for slot licenses, providing they follow the same tax rules and regulations that apply to the slots proposed at other gaming facilities in the state. The Delaware Nation land claim in federal court, which is expected to take many years to resolve, is seen as the tribe's effort to pressure the governor and legislature to accept Fumo's plan.
Under Fumo's plan, the state would authorize 13 slot locations, six at racetracks and seven at other sites. The Delawares could apply for licenses at two locations. Stephen Cozen of Philadelphia-based Cozen O'Connor law firm represents Delaware Casino Development and Management LLC, a group of investors that is backing Delaware Nation's plan for a casino somewhere in Pennsylvania.
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