On the day that the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) issued an announcement about available grants for law enforcement agencies, it was reported that slot machine revenues in the state were far exceeding official projections. The first slots operation in Pennsylvania, Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs, had daily slot machine revenue averaging US$456 per machine in April, over double the forecast figures.

Instructions and applications for law enforcement grants will be on the PGCB website from 15 May, and the application period will run until 30 June 2007. The grant programme was developed and approved by the Legislature as part of the Pennsylvania Race Horse Development and Gaming Act and funded with US$5 million annually from money generated from slot machine facilities. The money is to go to local law enforcement agencies to help prevent the unlawful operation of slot machines. Successful applicants are expected to be notified by September.

Executive Director Anne Neeb says the program will enable local law enforcement to help maximize the revenues intended to fund property tax relief, local governments, the horse racing industry, economic development and tourism. She said, "The Board looks forward to receiving proposals from local law enforcement agencies on how they plan to counteract the negative effects that the proliferation of illegal slot machines can have on the legal generation of revenues."

The high slot machine revenue is doubtless partly due to the honeymoon period of newly opened facilities. As more of the licensed operations come on line the figures are likely to fall from increased competition. Pennsylvania benefits from 55% of the slots revenue, with the amount already running at over US$139 million for the year to 29 April from just the four racetrack licences. Those present operators may see a decline in revenue when patrons go to see what is on offer from the newer entrants to the market. The state however should continue to laugh all the way to the bank. (E-05.02.07)

© Copyright 2007 CasinoCompendium



>>> return to archives
>>> return to frontpage