The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board has announced the schedule of public input hearings for four applicants vying for the remaining Category 3 license that would permit the operation of up to 600 slot machines and a maximum of 50 table games at a resort hotel. Public input hearings provide a forum for individuals to voice their support or opposition to a proposed casino in their community, and permit those persons with an interest in the applicant’s proposal to learn more.

Aspects of the hearings include: character, operational and financial suitability; community impact; diversity plans; plans for the prevention of compulsive gaming; and, other issues about the proposed facility. Information received by the Board during these proceedings will be included in the record upon which the Board will grant or deny licenses. Residents, community groups and elected officials wishing to present testimony at the public input hearings must register prior to the hearing. Additionally, those who cannot attend but would like to submit written comments for the record can do so up to 60 days following the hearing.

Provisions of the Gaming Act mean that all hearings will be held within the local municipality in which the proposed casino would be located. The first public input hearing, Penn Harris Gaming LP, will be held on 30 August and the final hearing, Woodlands Fayette, LLC , is on 8 September. Should the Board require additional time to receive testimony, additional days may be added to the schedule for any of these hearings.

The Board will also schedule Licensing Hearings in Harrisburg for the four applicants later this year. Those hearings provide an opportunity for the Board to receive additional testimony from the applicants and also question those applicants. Public input will not be taken at those hearings, only at the announced Public Input Hearings. The first of the two Category 3 licenses was awarded to Valley Forge Resort Casino on April 8, 2009. The Valley Forge Resort Casino has indicated it will set an opening date pending the outcome of an appeal of the Board’s licensing decision by Category 1 operator Philadelphia Park Casino in Bensalem. (E-07.12.10)

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