Councilman wants hearing on Philadelphia stake in proposed casino

A Philadelphia City Councilman wants to review a proposal that could have the city getting directly involved in a second Philadelphia casino. 

Councilman Kenyatta Johnson plans to introduce a resolution this week for a hearing on the plan where Philadelphia could co-own one of the casinos, or at least receive a portion of the proceeds generated by the second one in town. Johnson says it could help some of the city’s budget woes.

“Obviously we are a cash-strapped city,” said Johnson. “Anytime you have the opportunity to explore ideas that will provide additional revenue to our cash-strapped school district to our unfunded pension fund, as well as ways to free up some revenue to support our basic city services, I’m open to looking at the idea.”

Johnson admits the council has no influence on who will receive the license.

“We are just exploring the idea, that’s it, I have no jurisdiction on a state level,” he said.

There are six applicants vying for one license to build a new casino in Philadelphia.