News

July 18, 2008

Taking a day to soak up the Sun

Locals and out-of-towners in search of a little fun drawn to shiny gambling mecca.

DAWN SHURMAITIS Special to the Times Leader

PLAINS TWP. – Ann Rupert was so thrilled about Thursday’s opening of the new Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs casino she headed straight for the slots when her night shift ended, without even changing out of her nurse’s uniform.

“I was so excited, I just had to be here,” said Rupert, of Hazleton. Within an hour, she’d spent $40. “It’s great for the area. Even if I have to give my money back, I’m happy.”

Hundreds dabbed their brows during a brief and colorful outdoor opening ceremony before casino doors officially opened on the business that will operate 24/7 every day of the year.

As officials extolled the virtues of Northeastern Pennsylvania, security men in suits, sunglasses and earpieces scanned the crowd, which included a number of cane-carrying retirees. Cell-phone cameras came out in force as parachutists dropped from the sky to a collective ooh-ah.

Pittston resident James Traglia Jr. brought his 89-year-old father, James Sr., to witness the razzle-dazzle firsthand. “Most of the time we’re on the track side. Eventually, we mosey on over to the casino. I’m waiting for the table games. The craps.”

For now, the $208 million gaming and entertainment complex offers the latest and the greatest slot and electronic virtual table games, from Diamond Jackpots and Red Hottie to Bonus Frenzy and Bagpipe Bonus. Wagers range from one cent to $100. There’s even a VIP lounge for high rollers.

Renee Suchoski hustled to get inside and play as the opening ceremony ended, her Players Club loyalty card already hung around her neck.

“I took today off to come,” said the Kraft Foods worker, 53, of Wilkes-Barre. Suchoski has hit the interim casino about twice a week since it opened in November 2006, limiting herself to $100 a visit. She’s already won a $482 jackpot. “I used to go to Atlantic City but now I just go here. I like to keep my money at home.”

The curious traveled from Allentown, New York, Connecticut and beyond. Cries of “gorgeous” and “beautiful” dropped as fast as dollar bills.

Faith Ahner came from Northampton, hoping to win enough money to buy her triplets new cars when they turn 16 in September.

“They all want a Lexus,” she laughed. “I love the Indians.”

Four hard hats from Green Valley Landscaping in Plains Township hustled 13 hours a day, seven days a week to put finishing touches on the flowers and bushes surrounding the casino. Thursday they took a little time to smell the daylilies.

John Westawski said his strategy is to bring $100, and when it’s finished, leave.

Wayne Casterlin hasn’t won yet, but he doesn’t plan to stop trying. “It’s something to do,” he said. Jeffrey Scoric comes twice a month with his mom.

The landscapers said they’re excited about the buzz and business the casino created and hope boxing is next.

“You can have a good time, go to a restaurant,” said Eugene Monahan. “Just get out.”

Inside, giant plasma TVs ring a circular walkway surrounding the new gaming space, where music blares, lights flash and slot machines bing and ping in hypnotic rhythm. ATM and lottery ticket machines are close at hand.

“If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available,” read signs on change machines.

“I own half this place,” joked Stanley Lincalis, 74, of Drums, as he tried to change a $100 bill. “I live alone. It’s something to do, someplace to go. I know a lady who’s spending her house money. I gotta be careful.”

Betsy Scavone, a retired tavern owner from Wilkes-Barre, once hit $1,600 on a dollar bet. “Anyone can get hooked on gambling. I limit myself,” she said.

“I used to be a regular player at Atlantic City, but I haven’t been since they opened.”

Hopeful gamblers kept watch for Lady Luck as money slipped from players’ pockets to casino coffers, and sometimes back again. A teacher from Bethlehem: “I already won $50. I put that in my purse.”

A 67-year-old Dallas resident slid in a single $50 bill – and won more than $900. His system? “I play till my wife’s ready to go.”

Aside from gambling, visitors shopped at stores such as Brookstone, where a massage chair sells for $3,995, and ate everything from steak and sushi to gourmet pizza. Crossing Vineyards and Igourmet offered a $5 “pairing of the day” – a fine French Viognier with gruyere de compte cheese.

Players sipped free coffee and cocktails (whiskey and coke, $5) while gambling to hit a jackpot or win a shiny red 2009 Mercedes. “I know the odds are against me, but what the hell,” said Sal DeLuca, 56, of Mount Airy, as he tried in vain to win the $51,000 car.

Numerous players said they plan to forgo Atlantic City in favor of the action in Plains, but Frank Colleran of Kingston will continue to travel to Atlantic City because he likes playing cards as well as slots.

“Some days you win, some days you lose. Sometimes you go overboard,” he said.

The original casino, which fronts the racetrack, remains open and is accessible through a short passageway. Thursday, it looked a little forlorn by comparison, with its low ceilings and handful of players. A bookie from Brooklyn who recently moved to Wilkes-Barre to enjoy the new action nursed a drink and scoured the racing form.

“I’m here five days a week,” he said, declining to give his real last name but offering that he bets about $500 a day on the ponies. “You can make a few hundred a day at the track. At the slots, not so much. I play the long shots. That’s what pays off.”

Bottom line for Joe the bookie?

“Atlantic City’s nice, but I think this is a little nicer. It’s Mayberry.”

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