Pennsylvanian CEO considers online gambling

The third in a series of Pennsylvanian political hearings on gambling by state Representatives (see previous reports) took place at the end of last week at the Mohegan Sun Pocono in the north east of the state.

The state House Gaming Oversight Committee, chaired by Rep. John Payne, has been considering a variety of gambling options – among them the legalisation of online gambling – to assist casino operators in their fight against neighbouring competition and boost state tax revenues.

The president of Mohegan Sun Pocono, Mike Bean, raised a variety of land gambling issues that included faster regulatory approval for new games; high tax rates that make a desirable return on investment difficult; adding more entertainment attractions; expanded hours to serve liquor and confining any future legalised internet gambling regime in the state to the existing brick and mortar licensees.

Mohegan Sun Pocono was the first casino in Pennsylvania, opening its doors in 2006. Since then it has grown into one of the biggest gaming destinations in the region, with more than 2,300 slot machines, 87 table games, harness racing, retail stores, restaurants, bars, a comedy club, concerts and a seven-story hotel with 238 rooms.

The enterprise employs almost 2,000 Pennsylvanians.