Jan 14, 2008 5:23 pm US/Eastern
Pa. Slots Ranked Most Profitable On East Coast
PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ―
-
-
A recent report revealed Pennsylvania slot machines are the most profitable on the East Coast, according to New Jersey casino officials.
CBS
A recent report revealed Pennsylvania
slot machines are the most profitable on the East Coast, according to New
Jersey casino officials.
After the results were tallied for earnings in fall 2007,
The Pocono Downs was rated the most profitable. Philadelphia
Park came in third, and Southwest
Pennsylvania's Meadows and Chester
were fourth and fifth respectively.
Governor Rendell is thrilled at the recently released
figures.
"I always knew gambling would be popular here especially
with our older people who like slots," said Gov. Rendell.
Despite these promising reports, there is little
progression at the Fishtown site, approved for the Sugarhouse Casino. South
Philadelphia's Foxwood's site has been stagnant as well.
The governor feels with slots in Philadelphia
generating cash like the others it could altogether yield a billion and a half
dollars to cut property taxes and the city wage tax.
"We'll be able to deliver if we can ever get the mess
solved in Philadelphia," he said.
"These sites don't make sense. Governor Rendell is the
only politician pushing for these sites who is left. Michael Nutter isn't
supporting them," said Casino opponent, Dan Hunter.
Those opposed to the casino feel traffic is already heavy
on Columbus Boulevard, and
adding 25-thousand cars a day at each casino is impossible.
"It's already a heavily traveled retail corridor. You have
IKEA, Lowes, Home Depot, Wal-Mart," said City Councilman, Frank DiCicco.
DiCicco says the casinos will be hurt if the traffic is so
annoying gamblers don't return.
The answer he offers: several alternative sites away from
homes, but close to the interstates.
So far the casino operators have refused to consider
moving, even though these Pennsylvania
slots are proving to be big money makers for the other operators.
CBS3.com's Most Popular Pages:
Slideshow:
Blackwell's Worst Dressed ListSlideshow:
Celebrity Bump WatchSlideshow:
2008 Presidential Hopefuls
Slideshow:
CBS 3 Employee New Year's ResolutionsSlideshow:
2007 Celebrity DeathsSlideshow:
Openly Gay Celebrities Slideshow:
'90s TV Stars Then & NowSlideshow:
Useless Body PartsSlideshow:
When Not To Hyphenate Your Name
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)