Pittsburgh Slot Machine License Goes to Barden

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board chose Don Barden of PITG Gaming to take the Pittsburgh Slot Machine License on Wednesday. Barden told the state that he can have a slot machine casino up and running with 5,000 slot machines as early as 2008 in Pittsburgh’s North Shore. He has been a long shot up until now, as many thought the slot machine license would go to Isle of Capri Casinos since they offered to build the Penguins a brand new stadium out of their own pocket.

Forest City was the other group vying for the slot machine license, but they had traffic issues. They wanted to build their slot machine casino at Pittsburgh’s Station Square. The concern was the traffic on Carson Street and Smithfield Street Bridge would get even worse once you start building a 5,000 slot machine casino. In a statement, Forest City said, "we congratulate PITG Gaming on their successful bid, and wish them every success."

The Penguins had partnered with Isle of Capri to bring in the new slot machine casino as well as a new arena. With Capri not winning the slot machine license, the future of the Penguins in Pittsburgh is uncertain at best. Even though they did not win the license, Governor Ed Rendell said that he is "solidly committed to keeping the Penguins at home, in Pittsburgh." He also said that he is planning on meeting with the Penguins and Don Barden, winner of the slot machine license, "to formalize his commitment to the arena."

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