Anti-casino activists plan to take their protests to the slots floor

    Gamblers at one local casino might have to share some space on the casino floor with a group of protesters this weekend. In the latest chapter of the casino debate, anti-casino activists are expected to take their opposition a step further when they gather at Harrah’s Casino in Chester.

    Gamblers at one local casino might have to share some space on the casino floor with a group of protesters this weekend. In the latest chapter of the casino debate, anti-casino activists are expected to take their opposition a step further when they gather at Harrah’s Casino in Chester.

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    In Philadelphia, plans are moving forward to get two casinos up and running, despite protests about possible Riverfront and Gallery locations. City officials say the casinos will bring jobs and revenue to the area.

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    Casino-Free Philadelphia has fought those casinos, and one of the founders, Jethro Heiko says the group’s taking their casino-opposition straight to the slots floor in Chester.

    Heiko: We’re expecting close to 100 people to participate inside. We’ll be going into the casino. There will be no outward signs that we’re part of a protest and the action does involve sitting at the machines without damaging them, and taking an action that will be fairly visible. And then after we do that for some time, we’ll leave.

    In more common protest fashion, Heiko says activists will also picket outside the casino.

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