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Though hardly a Nevada, the Keystone State in recent years has become a top East Coast gambling destination, taking a chunk out of Atlantic City’s gaming revenues. Pennsylvania legalized gaming in 2004 as a way to raise money for property tax relief, authorizing slot machines at a maximum of 14 locations. The first casino opened in 2006, and the 10th will open this fall. To augment revenues from slots, state lawmakers in January approved live table games—dozens of blackjack, craps and roulette tables have been installed this summer at all the casinos. Pennsylvania already is No. 1 in slots revenues among East Coast states. The majority of Pennsylvania casinos are found in the eastern part of the state, with several in the Philadelphia area. The newest gaming parlor is expected to open this fall along the Delaware River in Philadelphia. Offering views of the city skyline, Sugar House Casino will occupy the site of the former Jack Frost sugar refinery. It will feature a peaceful riverfront promenade, an environmental green roof de-
Pennsylvania The year-old Rivers Casino, on the Ohio River in downtown Pittsburgh, offers more than 3,000 slot machines and 60 brand new table games.
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hen itinerary planners think Pennsylvania, the colonial sights of Philadelphia, Amish lifestyles of Lancaster County and Civil War drama at Gettysburg immediately come to mind. Groups also gravitate to attractions like Valley Forge National Historical Park, Hershey’s Chocolate World, Longwood Gardens, and the picturesque towns of Bucks County LeisureGroupTravel.com
and the Brandywine Valley. But more and more tour organizers are adding a splash of glitz to their trips with visits to Pennsylvania casinos. Besides gaming action, groups enjoy concerts, cabaret shows and fun dining venues, including buffets. Some casinos offer horse racing.To entice motorcoach groups, most casinos provide each passenger with food and slots play offers.
As the state’s young gaming industry expands, a diverse array of casinos and racetracks gives group travelers chances to strike it rich sign, a restaurant and two bars, not to mention 1,700 slot machines. (sugarhousecasino.com) In Bensalem the $250-million Parx Casino opened last December, August 2010 39
on location: northeast replacing the temporary slots parlor, PhiladelphiaPark Casino & Racetrack, which had opened three years earlier. The highest grossing casino in Pennsylvania, Parx is planning a $100-million expansion over the next three to five years. (parxcasino.com) Harrah’s Chester, just off I-95 and 10 minutes from the Philadelphia airport, offers harness racing from April to December, plus simulcasts of thoroughbred and standardbred racing. Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem, an hour north of Philadelphia, made its debut in May of 2009. Situated on the site of the historic Bethlehem Steel plant, it plans to open a 300-room hotel next May. Culinary offerings at this Lehigh Valley entertainment hub include Emeril’s Chop House and Burgers by Emeril, two signature restaurants from celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse, his
Mount Airy Casino Resort lures gaming enthusiasts to the Poconos.
(after Foxwoods Resort & Casino, another Indian casino in Connecticut). (poconodowns.com) Mount Airy Casino Resort, set in the Poconos Mountains, is where “Mother Nature meets Lady Luck.” Besides gaming fun at Pennsylvania’s first stand-alone casino, guests can unwind in the spa or enjoy the 18-hole golf course that sweeps across terrain bordered by ponds, lakes and streams. Great names from the past perform at Gyp-
Night harness racing entertains guests at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs.
first in the Northeast. (pasands.com) In upstate Pennsylvania, outside of Wilkes-Barre, Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs features live harness racing eight months a year. The $208-million renovation effort dramatically transformed Pocono Downs into not only Pennsylvania’s first casino (in 2006) but the area’s leading entertainment complex. Owner of the casino and racetrack is the Mohegan Indian tribe, which operates Connecticut’s Mohegan Sun Resort & Casino, the world’s second largest casino 40 August 2010
sies nightclub, where recent headliners have included Mickey Rooney, Bobby Vinton, Roy Clark and the Village People. (mountairycasino.com) Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course in Grantville is the only gaming facility in Central Pennsylvania, offering more than 2,400 hot slots and the new table games. The Hollywood-themed complex also has thoroughbred racing and off-track wagering. (hcpn.com) In the Pittsburgh area, The Mead-
ows Racetrack & Casino has yearround harness racing. Guests also enjoy 3,700 slot machines, 62 table games and a 24-lane bowling center. (meadowsgaming.com) Rivers Casino, since opening in August of 2009, has brought in loads of visitors to downtown Pittsburgh. Through its multi-story glass facade, guests have views of the Ohio River, skyline and Mt. Washington. Located on the North Shore, next to Heinz Field (home of football’s Pittsburgh Steelers), Rivers Casino boasts 60 table games and more than 3,000 slots, including the state’s only $500 machine. Other amenities include five first-class restaurants, bars and lounges, and a 1,000-seat amphitheater for outdoor concerts. (theriverscasino) In the northwest corner of Pennsylvania, near Lake Erie, Presque Isle Downs & Casino offers live and simulcast horse racing. Located on I-90 in Erie, the complex is less than 90 minutes from Cleveland and Buffalo. (presqueisledowns.com) Gaming and racing, along fine dining, live entertainment and a dash of glamour, make a winning combination for groups. The odds are, your crew will enjoy playing in Pennsylvania. LGT Obtain Pennsylvania casino information and contact group-friendly suppliers directly at leisuregrouptravel.com/instant-info LeisureGroupTravel.com