New Gaming Venues Approved, Others Are Fined And Reducing Slots
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The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board fined three casinos for violations of regulations and gave a green light for opening of a mini-casino in Berks County and an OTB race and sportsbook in Chester County. It also approved two casinos’ plans to reduce their number of slot machines and heard one casino outline an intensified program to prevent gamblers from leaving children unattended. October represented a record $89 million month for table games revenue at the brick-and-mortar casinos and $200 million for slots revenue.
Board imposed four fines amounting to $150,000 against three casinos for various violations relating to underage patrons, health protocols, and lax procedures protecting funds belonging to the casino.
The board approved two fines against affiliates of Penn National Gaming. Hollywood Casino at Penn. National Race Course was fined $57,500 for allowing access by nine players on the state’s self-exclusion list to its iGaming platforms. Presque Isle Downs & Casino was also fined for letting alcohol consumption on gaming floor in October 2020. Harrah”s Philadelphia was fine $22,000 for two instances of theft by patrons.
Penn National Gaming affiliates were fined $57,500 for allowing access by nine players on the state’s self-exclusion list to its iGaming platforms at hollywoodcasino.com and barstoolsportsbook. com. $25,000 fine was imposed for failure to prevent four under-21s from getting onto the gaming floor at Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course. Presque Isle Downs & Casino was fined for letting alcohol consumption on gaming floors in October 2020. Harrah”s Philadelphia was also fined over theft by patrons.
Penn National received the go-ahead for its plan for 30 table games at Hollywood Casino Morgantown. The state's newest mini-casino is expected to open in December. Penn National opened its similar Hollywood casino in York in August.
Parx Casino received approval for its new Parx Race and Sportsbook at Malvern. ParX has one other location combining a sportsbook and OTB parlor in South Philadelphia. The new location will be a Chickie's & Pete's restaurant with the sportsbooks and an OTBs. It is expected to open in December.
Penn National will reduce the number of slot machines at its two casinos. The Washington County location will have 317 fewer slots, while the original Dauphin County casino will see 191 fewer slot machine. Competition from grey-market games and other factors are to blame. The board approved the cutbacks without loss of revenue or jobs.
GCGB has placed 131 people on its involuntary exclusion list for leaving children in cars in casinos. Valley Forge Casino Resort has implemented a six-part plan to address the issue. It includes increased signage, employee training, a private security service hired to patrol its parking areas and installation of infrared surveillance cameras. The PGCB commended Valley for its proactive approach.
