Foxwoods casino gets temporary reprieve

State gaming regulators are giving the long-delayed south Philadelphia casino three weeks to get its chips in order, or it will lose its license.

 

Foxwoods executives pleaded their case before Pennsylvania’s Gaming Control Board Thursday in Harrisburg. Foxwoods executives told the board they were about to seal a deal with Harrah’s Entertainment, which would give them the money they need to move forward.

But state Rep. Mike O’Brien said Foxwoods has had enough chances to get its finances in order.

“I think clearly with Sugarhouse underperforming that the Philadelphia market is glutted with gambling dollars,” said O’Brien. “I believe that a revocation of a license and putting a license out to bid is not only in the best interest of the immediate neighborhood but, ultimately, the best interest of the Commonwealth.”

O’Brien said it’s unlikely Foxwoods will be able to provide the board with an adequate financial plan by the Dec. 10 deadline.

That’s good news to neighboring resident Rene Goodwin who opposes the slots parlor.

“It’s a fool’s mission. It accomplishes nothing except some financial benefit to the partners. But to the city, to the residents, to the state, no. It’s a bad business deal.”

When the board meets again Dec. 16, it could vote to revoke the license if Foxwoods has not satisfied its requirements

A Foxwoods representative could not be reached for comment. A  Harrah’s representative said the casino is not ready to comment on any potential deal.