If Isle of Capri Gets Slot Machines, Pittsburgh Will Get Penguins

The Isle of Capri Casinos Inc. has been trying very hard to get the license to build a slot machine parlor in the city. Many want them to get the slot machine license as it would mean that they will keep the Penguins in Pittsburgh. However, no slot machine license, no stadium.

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman warned Pittsburgh this past week that if the casino does not get their slot machine license then there is a good chance that the Penguins will leave. The slot machine casino has promised to build a new $290 million arena for the Penguins if they get the slot machine license. The other prospects for the slot machine license have agreed to give money toward the new arena, but neither agreed to build a whole new building.

"If the Isle of Capri doesn't get the [slot machine] license, we've got a lot of uncertainty to deal with, and it's best for everybody and the franchise that we're not dealing in uncharted and uncertain waters," Bettman said.

The Penguins’ lease expires in June at the Mellon Arena, which means they will be free to go wherever they would like to. Obviously the city of Pittsburgh does not want to see that happen, and city officials are working on another plan just in case Capri does not get the slot machine license.

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