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Pennsylvania’s first casino slot-machine parlor opned to the public on Nov. 14 at Mohegan Sun. The Mohegan Indian tribe of Connecticut, owner of the Pocono Downs harness racing complex in Plains Township outside Wilkes-Barre, spent $70 million on a nicely appointed but no-frills slots parlor that includes two gambling floors with nearly 1,100 machines, a bar, and a food court with three restaurants.
The eventful opening happens more than two years after the Legislature authorized gambling to raise money for property tax relief.
Casino officials prepared to welcome an onslaught of casino gamblers on Tuesday, “I think everybody is a little nervous but also very excited,” said Robert Soper, Mohegan Sun’s chief executive officer, who leads a casino staff of about 400.
Slot machine games available at the casino include Pocono Pennies, Lucky Lemmings and Triple Stars, players plunked down anywhere from a penny to $25 per spin while scantily-clad cocktail waitresses served drinks and bouncers in black suits and T-shirts maintain order.
While many hail its effects on Pennsylvania’s state earnings, the casino opponents forecast an increase in crime and other social ills.
Anti-gambling group, CasinoFreePa, asked state Attorney General Tom Corbett on Monday to prevent Mohegan Sun and other Pennsylvania casinos from opening until his office investigates whether slot machines comply with fraud and consumer protection laws.
“Crime, bankruptcies, divorce, people embezzling from their employers” to support their gambling addictions,” said Dianne M. Berlin, the group’s leader. “Convenience gambling is the worst gambling.”
The tribe, which also operates a gigantic casino in Connecticut and paid $280 million for Pocono Downs in 2004, plans a second phase of development that will nearly double the number of slot machines and add retail shops, a nightclub and other amenities.
When fully operational with 2,000 machines, the slots parlor projects a gross of $230 per machine daily, for total annual revenues of $167.9 million.
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One Response to “Pocono Downs Houses First Pennsylvania Casino”
Bill L. Deiger
December 4th, 2006 at 7:53 am
Hi ! Could someone there please e-mail me with an address and /or phone number for the casino? I would like hours also. Thankyou Bill
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Bill L. Deiger
December 4th, 2006 at 7:53 am
Hi ! Could someone there please e-mail me with an address and /or phone number for the casino? I would like hours also. Thankyou Bill