Wind Creek Is Latest Slots-Slashing Casino, Wanting To Remove 655
Wind Creek Bethlehem wants to reduce its slot machine complement by 655. It is the latest casino to do so in Pennsylvania. Harrah's Philadelphia, Mount Airy Casino Resort, Hollywood Casino at Penn National, and Hollywood at The Meadows have already removed or are in the process of removing 1,201 slot machines. The state is a partner in gaming industry, as 54% of slots revenue is taxed.
Wind Creek wants to remove 655 slot machines. The casino is second biggest in Pennsylvania, with $265 million in revenue from 2,973 machines, second only to Parx Casino, which made $409.4 million from 3,042 slots. The state's 2004 gaming law permits casinos to house up to 5,000 machines but some have reduced the number due to capacity limits and social distancing requirements.
Wind Creek is asking for permission to relocate its poker room to a larger space in the former Burgers and More restaurant. The poker rooms would expand to 20 tables from 14 and have a satellite cage as part of overall gaming floor expansion to 156,548 square feet.