It could be described as ironic that whilst in the UK Manchester is haggling over alternatives to the economic boost that a supercasino could have brought, towns in Pennsylvania are haggling over the riches that casinos are already providing. The state’s Department of Community and Economic Development has millions of dollars to share out and has received 83 applications for awards in Luzerne County.

The projects have already been whittled down to 32 and the final awards will be announced on 14 March. Applications range from money needed to rebuild a library in one town to a road improvement project in another, but the department will award just US$11,675,000 this year. Municipalities lying closest to the Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs in Luzerne County will be given priority status because the casino has greater impact on their areas. Other municipalities can resubmit applications in future years as more funds become available.

Also in Pennsylvania four counts of perjury have been filed against the owner of the Mount Airy Casino Resort who is accused of lying to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) over alleged ties to organised crime figures. A letter asking for the casino licence to be reallocated has been written to the Board by a losing rival competitor for the licence. However, the Board will not take action until a final determination is made over the status of the present Mount Airy licence.

Following the emergency suspension by the PGCB of the Principle Licence on 30 January, as things stand at the moment the casino owner, Lois DeNaples, is not allowed to enter the casino and all profits are being placed in an escrow account. The casino is operating under gambling officials and it is expected that a trustee will be appointed to take over the running of the casino until the criminal case against DeNaples is resolved. In December Mount Airy made US$9.9 million in gross terminal revenue. (E-02.05.08)

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