Public hearing for Wind Creek Bethlehem casino license renewal set for July 31
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BETHLEHEM, Pa. — State gaming regulators have rescheduled a public hearing on the renewal of Wind Creek-Bethlehem casino resort’s gaming license for Wednesday, July 31.
The original hearing planned for June 26 was postponed because of power outages from a severe storm.
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, or PGCB, will take public comment and conduct the hearing at 10:30 a.m. July 31.
It will be in the town hall rotunda building at Bethlehem City Hall, 10 E. Church St.
The license renewal would be good for five years and would be the first for Bethlehem since 2018.
A casino has operated in Bethlehem since Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem opened in May 2009. Las Vegas Sands sold the property in 2019 to Wind Creek Hospitality.
The license renewal would be good for five years and would be the first for Bethlehem since 2018, Gaming Control Board spokesman Doug Harbach said.
The renewal process statewide was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic and four renewal hearings are being held across the state this year, he said.
Residents, public officials and community groups can speak at the hearing or submit written testimony, according to the PGCB.
How to provide testimony
Wind Creek Bethlehem is among 17 Pennsylvania casinos and five so-called Category 2 casinos.
The license would apply to several forms of gaming. Wind Creek’s license technically is for slot machines, Harbach said, but under that license the property owner also has obtained certificates to offer table games, sports wagering, online casino-type games and online sports wagering.
To provide in-person or written testimony, visit the PGCB’s website, gamingcontrolboard.pa.gov, and choose the link on the homepage in the “PGCB Meetings” section to register.
The deadline for registration to speak or submit written testimony is noon Monday, July 29.
A casino has operated in Bethlehem since Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem opened in May 2009. Las Vegas Sands sold the property in 2019 to Wind Creek Hospitality.
A list of all government officials, community groups and individuals who have registered to speak will be posted on the website the week before the hearing, and updated daily, according to the PGCB.
Written comments also can be submitted through the board’s website. For those who wish to do so by email, fax or mail, they can be submitted as outlined:
- Fax: 717-265-7416
- Mail: PA Gaming Control Board, 303 Walnut St., 5th Floor Commonwealth Tower, Harrisburg, Pa. 17101 (Attention: Board clerk)
First step in renewal process
The Bethlehem hearing is the first step in the renewal process for Wind Creek.
A second public hearing will be held in Harrisburg later, Harbach said.
At that hearing, casino representatives can offer evidence and arguments, and the Gaming Control Board can ask additional questions.
Said the PGCB in a notice about the hearing: “During the hearing, the renewal applicant will be given the opportunity to demonstrate, among other things, its good character, honesty and integrity; compliance with its statement of conditions; as well as provide evidence on tax revenue generated; jobs created; success in implementing its diversity plan; and involvement in the surrounding communities."
Questions can be directed to the PGCB’s Office of Hearings and Appeals at 717-265-7451, according to the notice.
