Pennsylvania gaming could bring in Atlantic City players

Government officials in the state of Pennsylvania recently reached a budget deal which will legalize table games in the state. Adding blackjack, roulette and other games is expected to bring in an estimated $200 million in extra gambling fees and taxes on a yearly basis to the state.

It will take probably around six to nine months to add blackjack, roulette, poker, craps and other table games to the casinos as the state must wait for the regulatory system to be completed. Many think the addition of the games will hurt Atlantic City, which is already suffering.

George Toth, CEO of Mount Airy Casino Resort in Pennsylvania commented: "This makes us full gaming houses. We can compete with Atlantic City on equal footing. This is what we've been waiting for." The gaming venues currently only offer slot games. Toth also thinks the new games will bring in players from New York who make the trek to Atlantic City to gamble. Pennsylvania is closer so those who want to gamble just for an evening they will most likely take to the casino that is closer, which in most cases will be in Pennsylvania.

It will be interesting to see if the new table games will help the state or if the estimates made for earnings will be as high as they believe they will be or if the earnings will be low. All signs point to the games doing very well for the state of Pennsylvania.

2009-09-30