The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (“PGCB”) Chairman, William Ryan stated that the PGCB met last week to discuss the status of the remaining Philadelphia casino license, which was revoked from its prior holder in December 2010. Ryan stated, “At least for now, we decided not to do anything,” however [the Board] will revisit the issue… in the not too distant future.” The second Philadelphia casino license, however is not the only remaining opportunity for a new casino in Pennsylvania. There is a pending challenge to the Board’s awarding of a “resort” casino license to Nemacolin Woodlands Resort outside of Pittsburgh. There is also a remaining racetrack casino license recently held by Centaur in western PA.
The Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed legislation to open up the vacate license earmarked for Philadelphia, on a statewide basis, however, the State Senate has not acted on that bill. At this time there appears to be no consensus in the legislature on the status of that Philadelphia license. Under the current gaming law, the license must be located within the City of Philadelphia. The Board’s decision not to move and accept applications for that license has afforded the legislature additional time to decide whether to amend the law should they choose.