Gaming Board Schedules Hearings on Slots Parlor Plans

"We want our applicants and the public at large [to show] what they are proposing, and we want to hear from individuals, organizations and local government groups," says Tad Decker, chairman of the gaming board, in a statement. "Public input will help us determine which proposed facilities will be safe, enjoyable and most profitable for the people of Pennsylvania."

While citizens, applicants and others are invited to attend the hearings, those interested in being considered to speak must submit a registration form to the board, postmarked no later than March 6. A spokesman for the board declined to speculate on how many of the applicants would present proposals at the hearings.

The discussions at individual hearings are limited to proposals by applicants for the area in which the hearing is held. The dates and locations of the hearings are: April 5, Gettysburg College in Gettysburg; April 6-7, Harrisburg State Museum in Harrisburg; April 10-12, Drexel University in Philadelphia; April 18-19, Omni William Penn Hotel, Pittsburgh; April 21, Gannon University, Erie; April 27, Split Rock Resort in the Poconos; April 28, Crown Plaza Allentown Hotel in Allentown; May 2, Holiday Inn Holidome & Conference Center in Uniontown; and May 3, Hidden Valley Resort in Somerset.

Of the 14 licenses to be issued, five are for stand-alone slot machine casinos, including two in Philadelphia and one in Pittsburgh; two for existing resorts, and seven at horse racing tracks. Of the latter, the board has received just six applications. The board spokesperson tells GlobeSt.com, "currently there are just six eligible, operating race tracks in the state. A seventh has applied for a harness racing license. Once it obtains that license, it then has 30 days to apply for the remaining available gaming license that is eligible for a racetrack." Eligibility does not ensure an entity of obtaining a license, he adds.