Slot Machine License Hearings

Each of the groups that are interested in obtaining a slot machine license will go before the Pennsylvania Gaming Board at some point to explain why they think they should be the one to receive one of the two slot machine casino licenses. One by one they will plead their case and answer questions pertaining to the running of the slot machine casino should they be awarded it.

So far the gaming board has met with both groups from the Poconos, and the proposed Sands slot machine casino in Bethlehem last week. This week on Wednesday, the board is meeting with two slot machine license applicants – the Lehigh Valley Tropicana in the morning and Crossroads Gaming Resort and Spa in the afternoon. The Crossroads group is probably the most controversial of all of the slot machine license candidates, as they want to put in slots near Gettysburg.

Many feel that putting slot machines that close to a historical site will not only hurt historical tourism, but also lacks respect for the dead. Gaming Board member Jeffrey Coy is known to be a Civil War buff and he is not alone – so is Democratic Leader Bill DeWeese – and many feel they will not approve the slot machine license. DeWeese has already said that he will offer “very aggressive scrutiny” of the Crossroads slot machine plan.

Crossroads is planning on bringing in 3,000 slot machines as well as a four star hotel, spa, and restaurants. They are then planning on expanding later on, adding an additional 2,000 slot machines.

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