Applications are being invited for a new casino to be located within the city of Philadelphia in Pennsylvania, US.
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board is now accepting applications for the one remaining Category 2 slot machine licence and table games certificate. By law, the licensed casino must be located in the city of Philadelphia.
Chairman William Ryan noted that the Pennsylvania General Assembly has been considering legislation that would amend the Gaming Act and repeal the requirement that the licensed casino be located only in Philadelphia. The Pennsylvania Race Horse Development and Gaming Act permits the board to award up to five Category 2 slot machine operator licences, with at least two of those being in the city of Philadelphia.
"However, since it appears that the General Assembly will not approve such a change in the foreseeable future," he said, "the board believes that it is in the best interest of the people of Pennsylvania to proceed with the application process."
Ryan added that since this process may take nine to 12 months from the close of the application period in November until the board is in a position to consider all the applications, the board felt it was time to move forward.
"There will be a thorough background investigation of all applicants and public vetting of all proposed projects," he continued. "Most importantly, this board will come to Philadelphia and listen to comments both in support of and against each application."
If awarded a Category 2 licence, the holder must pay a $50m fee to the state to operate up to 5,000 slot machines and an additional $16.5m for a certificate that permits the operation of up to 250 table games.
