Pa. panel hears pitches for second gaming hall in Philadelphia

Applicants bidding on a second casino license for Philadelphia had a chance to show off their proposals to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board. 

Six groups are seeking the remaining casino license in Philadelphia.

Casino mogul Steve Wynn says his proposal is ahead of the rest because it also includes a high-end hotel designed to bring in a national and international clientele.

“Four Seasons on steroids with gaming in the back,” as Wynn described it. “You could have more beautiful spas, better restaurants, wonderful meeting rooms, which would otherwise be unaffordable in today’s marketplace.”

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For the most part, the other proposals also include hotels and gaming.

Opposition

Dan Hojdo of Casino Free Philadelphia says all of them are bad for the city.

“The problem with casinos is that they prey on gambling addiction and they prey on local residents,” he said.

Wendy Hamilton who runs SugarHouse casino along the Delaware River wasn’t impressed.

“A lot of big plans, a lot of big promises,” she said. “I’m waiting for the presentation that tells me that Philadelphia’s big enough to sustain another casino.”

The public will have a chance to comment on the proposals in April.

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