HARRISBURG, July 11, 2012 –Following this morning’s announcement by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board that it will re-open the application process for the second Philadelphia casino license, State Senator Vincent Hughes (D-Phila./Montgomery) issued the following statement:
“I am extremely pleased with the gaming board’s decision to implement the law and re-open the application process for a second casino in Philadelphia.
“This is a win for Philadelphia and Pennsylvania. A second casino in the city will provide additional revenues for property and wage tax relief plus the new casino will generate a much needed economic boost to the region and state.
“In these tough economic times, the city and the School District of Philadelphia need every financial resource that can be mustered. As critical, Philadelphia residents need the thousands of jobs that this second casino will provide.
“Proceeds from another successful casino will provide millions for additional school district property tax relief, help for our senior citizens, aid for the state’s horse racing industry and bolster economic development projects throughout Pennsylvania.”
The application period will end on November 15. The gaming law, passed in 2004, provided that Philadelphia would receive two gaming licenses.