It took over two years since the gaming law was signed but the first of Pennsylvania’s newly licensed slot machine operations opened today. The US$70 million Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs now offers the public two floors of gaming on around 1,100 gaming machines plus a bar and a food court with three restaurants. Pocono Downs, a harness racetrack acquired by Mohegan Sun in January 2005, is undergoing renovations that are not expected to be completed until early 2008. When fully operational, the projections are for total annual revenue of US$167.9 million.

Mohegan Sun planned to open the first slots venue in Pennsylvania and have now achieved that goal. Customers queued to be amongst the first through the doors at 10:00 am today. A second phase of development at Pocono Downs will include an additional 900 machines, a nightclub, 20,000 sq ft of retail space, a 300-seat buffet, a childcare centre, more restaurants and bars. The slots operation will be open around the clock every day and all gaming machines are equipped with TITO technology.

With everything from penny slots to $25 machines, players will have their choice of over 500 reel games, 450 video machines and video poker, not to mention more than 300 slot machines in a special smoke-free area. Live harness racing, year-around simulcast wagering, and special events are also part of the entertainment on offer at the Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs. As they say themselves, “Catch the excitement at Pocono Downs” and “Welcome to Pennsylvania’s first casino.” (E-11.14.06)

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