AJ News

PLAINS TWP. -- The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board today announced that it would hold a public hearing on Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2010 to gather evidence, including public comment, on the petition submitted by Downs Racing, L.P., operator of the slot machine casino at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs, requesting authorization to conduct table games.

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Slot machines are shown during the official opening of the new Mohegan Sun gaming and entertainment complex in July 2008.

Times Leader File / S.John Wilkin

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Downs Racing is the first casino operator to file a petition since this year’s passage of Senate Bill 711 on January 7, which permitted the addition of table games at Pennsylvania casinos.

The hearing will begin at 10 a.m. at the Fox Hill Firehouse, 50 Second St. in Plains Township.

Citizens, community groups and elected officials wishing to present oral or written testimony, which will become part of the evidentiary record in this matter, can register for this hearing by clicking on a special link on the homepage of the PGCB website at www.pgcb.state.pa.us. This link will not only provide information and assistance in participating in the hearing process, but also allow viewing and downloading of public documents related to Mohegan Sun’s petition to permit table games. As additional table games petitions are received from casino operators and public input hearings are scheduled, the web site will be expanded to offer additional information.

The deadline for registration and the receipt of written comments for this hearing is noon on Monday, Feb. 22. Comments can also be mailed, with a postmark no later than Monday, Feb. 22, to the PA Gaming Control Board, P.O. Box 69060, Harrisburg, PA 17106, Attention: Board Secretary, or the comments can be faxed to 717-346-8350.

Senate Bill 711, now Act 1 of 2010, provides authorization for existing Pennsylvania casinos to conduct table games through the filing of a petition with the Gaming Control Board. Prior to considering a petition, the Board will hold a public input hearing on the matter in the municipality where the petitioner’s licensed slot machine facility is located. The Board must approve or deny the request within 60 days of the receipt of a complete petition.

To read the complete story, see Saturday's edition of The Times Leader.