With arguments still raging in Britain over the desirability of increasing the proposed number of ‘super’ casinos from somewhere between one and eight, in Pennsylvania at the end of last week the Gaming Control Board made public the Local Impact Reports presented by the various applicants for Pennsylvania’s slots licences. Applications for the Category 1 licences for operations at existing racetracks are just six although there are seven available. Three of the named applicants for Pocono Downs harness track licence, along with 29 others under Downs Racing LP, is Connecticut’s Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority, its Pennsylvania-registered Mohegan Commercial Ventures PA, LLC and Downs Racing LP.

Mohegan Sun purchased Pocono Downs harness track and off-track wagering facilities at Wilkes-Barre from Penn National Gaming in January 2005. It now fully expects to obtain a licence to offer slot machines and is proposing to expand the amenities to include a nightclub, retail outlets, restaurants and bars as well as 2,000 slot machines. Amongst other documents, the company has submitted a 456-page traffic impact study to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB), to be taken into consideration at the Public Input Hearing scheduled for 27 April.

The PGCB has issued strict rules for testimony at the hearing: "Speakers may not engage in disrespectful, disorderly or contumacious language or conduct. Permission to speak may be denied or terminated if remarks are disrespectful or antagonistic or for any just cause as determined by the presiding officer. “ It continues: “No speaker will be permitted to address any issue not submitted in his or her registration form."

In an interview reported by the Boston Globe, the Mohegan Sun chief executive Mitchell Etess was asked whether people liked losing money when they played at the huge casino complex in Connecticut. His answer was that the experience and excitement was considered entertainment by the players, who understood that they may well leave with less money than when they came. Asked about the Pocono Downs purchase the reply was that the tribe is trying to expand and diversify its business operations and that Pennsylvania, not far from Uncasville in Connecticut, is “very doable” for a first outside venture.

At both the Mohegan Sun Casino and the proposed Pocono Downs racino, the intention is to offer more entertainment than gambling alone. The Mohegan Sun boasts a 10,000-seat arena, 350-seat cabaret venue and 1,200-room hotel. By building up overall entertainment destinations the tribe is sure it can successfully compete as more and more gaming options open in the region. Mitchell Etess considers that there is little threat to business from the anti-gambling lobbies as the stigma the industry has faced in the past is being rapidly eroded.

Maybe even if Britain starts with just one ‘super’ casino it will soon be followed by other entertainment complexes throughout the regions. As the Casino Advisory Board has received 47 expressions of interest from local authorities, it would seem that more than a few people are keen to see entertainment and sporting facilities expanded, and for casinos to become the engine driving the investment. (E-03.13.06)

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