Sep 6, 2007 2:12 pm US/Eastern
Impact Of Casinos Main Topic At Hearings
NORTH STRABANE TWP. (KDKA) ―
State gaming officials are holding two public meetings today to both evaluate the impact of casinos on local communities, and also talk about table gaming in the state.
The Pennsylvania House Gaming Oversight Committee is holding those meetings this morning and this afternoon at the North Strabane Township Municipal Building.
Officials say during the first session they spent the hearing evaluating the impact casinos are having on our region, particularly looking at The Meadows in Washington County.
So far, officials with The Meadows and North Strabane Township say the impact is better than expected.
"The overall performance of our casino has exceeded all expectations," says Bill Paulos, of The Meadows first 81 days of operation. "Total coin in to date through August 31st has surpassed $630 million in just 81 days. With Gross Terminal Revenue currently standing at more than $51 million, state and local governments have collected nearly $30 million."
Meanwhile, officials say North Strabane Township is now the fastest-growing community in Washington County.
"The permanent facility when completed in early 2009 will provide in excess of 1,400 jobs and $27.7 million in wages," says Frank Siffrin, of the Township. "Impacts of the permanent facility are also expected to provide an estimated 1,200 indirect jobs and pay out $38.8 million in direct wages."
The Meadows opened a temporary facility this summer, and the plans were just unveiled for that permanent building.
In the second session, the focus will shift to a bill that would authorize table gaming in the state in an effort to compete with the games now coming to some West Virginia casinos.
Stay with KDKA for more on this story.
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