The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) has voted to renew Downs Racing’s Category 1 horse track casino license for another five years. The Board approved the renewal by unanimous vote.
During a recent public hearing before the Board, the regular said Downs Racing “had fulfilled the obligations under its previously approved casino operator’s license and therefore qualified to have its license renewed.”
The public was also allowed to discuss the casino’s impact on the community during the hearing.
The board accepted statements from community groups and local government officials, including the State Police, the Gaming Control Board’s Office of Enforcement Counsel, Bureau of Investigations and Enforcement, Office of Compulsive and Problem Gaming and the Bureau of Casino Compliance.
The PGCB said in a statement, “The decision to renew the license was based on a process utilized by the Board that enables both the operator and the public to provide information relevant to the renewal decision.”
Downs Racing operates Mohegan Pennsylvania, which welcomed its first guests in 2006. Mohegan Pennsylvania is home to 1,630 slot machines and 67 table games.
In other state news, the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs recently published its Compulsive and Problem Gambling Annual Report for 2023.
During the fiscal year, nearly $8.3m was transferred to the Compulsive and Problem Gambling Treatment Fund (CPGT). The state requires that funds are transferred to the CPGT every year.
Collected funds are used to “maintain ongoing gambling prevention and treatment services.”
According to the recent report, close to 48% of the total funds collected during the year went to address problem gambling needs assessments, as well as to fund prevention, outreach and education programs.
Another 17% was given to gambling treatment providers that offer outpatient gambling counseling to Pennsylvania residents. Problem gambling helpline services received part of the remaining 35%, which was set aside for administration, program oversight and various training opportunities.
