The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board is seeking a new Director of the Bureau of Investigations and Enforcement (BIE) following the announcement last Friday that the present director, David Kwait, will retire 5 December 2008. Kwait served as the first director of the BIE since July 2005 and has seen the unit grow to over 70 employees and undertake more than 19,000 investigations. The PGCB will explore a full range of options to maintain a high level of service while it considers a successor for the position.

In his letter of resignation to the Board, Kwait wrote that he truly anticipates that when the collective history of the startup of the PGCB is considered, it will be recognized for the significant effort put forth in successfully launching a new industry in Pennsylvania. “I will always be proud of my association with the Gaming Control Board,” he states, “There is tremendous satisfaction that comes with knowing I helped to build an agency from the ground up and created an Investigative and Enforcement unit that is second to none.”

In Philadelphia one of the casino projects has moved a step closer to getting built. A rules committee of the Philadelphia City Council has approved a zoning change to resite the proposed Foxwoods Casino in a downtown shopping mall. The plan to move the slots parlour from its previous riverfront location, where it did not fit the city’s regeneration and redevelopment designs, must now be considered by the full Council.

The proposal for the casino to be part of the Gallery Mall is unpopular with some residents and around 600 people marched to City Hall before the hearing. Gambling addiction and the effect on local children were two of the reasons cited for the zoning change not to be passed. However, the committee voted unanimously to approve the change and hand the matter to the full Council for a final decision. (E-11.03.08)

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