The newly opened slots operations in Pennsylvania are doing very nicely for their owners and shareholders and for the state finances. So far there are four venues up and running, appropriately at racetracks, and on 5 June at 9 a.m. The Meadows Racetrack & Casino will open a 1,738 slot machine facility in a temporary building. A permanent combined racing and slots venue is scheduled for completion in early 2009 following the demolition of the existing grandstand.

Not everyone in Pennsylvania is happy and excited about the expanding gambling properties. The dissenting voices are likely to get louder as more facilities open – there are 14 licences, so the growth in gambling is only just beginning. Even those that are not against the concept of gambling as entertainment have expressed worry over the location of some of the projects.

Don Barden’s PITG Gaming LLC will operate the only stand-alone slots venue in Pittsburgh and it is located behind the Carnegie Science Center. The Center uses a service road on what is now casino property for school bus access. Of even more concern is the possibility that casino lighting and signage will adversely affect the Center’s observatory. Officials say they will consider legal action if the city planning committee does not attach relevant conditions before approving plans.

Most Pennsylvanians welcome the economic boost that the new casinos will bring but many would prefer the gaming facilities to be sited away from their own homes and neighbourhoods. They are not sure if the casinos will have a detrimental effect on property values, cause traffic congestion or bring noisy visitors at all hours. Pennsylvania State must welcome the additional revenue that the 55% gaming tax brings each week. Between 1 January and 13 May the slot machines at the four operating racetracks have made the state US$168,473,592.77 in tax revenue. The way things are going the state will continue to be happy to have casinos in its own backyard. (E-05.24.07)

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