Gambling is coming to Pennsylvania

07/05/2004

While the entire concept of legalized gambling and its outgrowth are new to Pennsylvania, odds are almost 100 percent in favor of more jobs growing out of the new industry.

With the stroke of a pen Monday, Gov. Ed Rendell officially made it legal to place 61,000 slot machines at 14 sites, one of which is Penn National's The Downs at Pocono in Plains Township.

In the Pocono region, at least three local hotels might apply for a resort license, which would permit installation of 500 machines.

Speculation on a much bigger prize - a stand-alone license for a slots parlor with up to 5,000 machines - centered on Pocono Raceway and the former Mount Airy Resort.

No plan has been put forth publicly for either venue, but state Sen. Robert Mellow, who will make a key appointment to the board that will award licenses, has mentioned the raceway as a potential site. Mellow, D-22, said Wednesday there is a better-than-average chance the Poconos will get a stand-alone slots parlor .A stand-alone license would bring the biggest payout to local hotels, he said. The license holder would offer the excitement of gambling, but limited food and no lodging.

Executives of Pocmont Resort in Bushkill, Mountain Laurel Resort near White Haven and Caesars Pocono Resorts said they are interested in applying for a resort license.

Cautiously optimistic about how many people will find work in the local gaming industry, Pennsylvania Career Link Supervisor Dennis Kapuschinsky said he expects jobs centering on the local gambling industry will soon be available.

"It is my opinion many jobs related to the industry would require some sort of skill level and certainly clean background checks. Like any other job, if you want good employees, you have to pay them well," Kapuschinsky said.

"In addition, I'm sure we will see other non-gambling jobs, like construction, opening up as facilities expand. We're also going to see more people coming to our area. Their spending will also contribute to the local economy," Kapuschinsky added.

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