Aztar, owner of the Tropicana casino, is attempting a deal to build a slot sales office near the proposed minor league ballpark on the Aguero system site in East Allentown, according to a source who spoke with developers and casino operators. Based in Phoenix, Arizona, Aztar is one of at least three casino operators expected to apply for a license to operate slot stores in the Lehigh Valley as the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board agreed to begin applying.
Among them, Bethlehem developer Louis Pecktor confirmed on Friday that it had a gambling partner to help bring slots to Route 33. So far, only Las Vegas Sands, the owner of the Venetian casino, has announced plans for slot stores. But Thursday’s decision by the gaming board to start the application was like opening up a competitive opportunity to attract gambling to the Lehigh Valley. 파워볼실시간
“Who thought there would be only one applicant in the Lehigh Valley is in a fantasy world,” said T.J. Rooney, D-Leigh/Northampton state representative. “Including plans for the Aguero site in Tropicana, there will be at least three applicants and maybe more. This is just getting started.” Earlier this week, Las Vegas Sands officials complained that other gamblers who designed the valley were “hiding in the woods.”
This is expected to change period is supposed to apply for a gaming permit that is not related to horse racing. However, state Representative Doug Reichley is urging Valley leaders to be patient before endorsing certain initiatives. “It’s almost a foregone conclusion that Lehigh Valley is going to get the license, so this is going to be a big decision locally,” Leakey said. “Before any of us start throwing our support behind any plan, we’re obliged to look at all the plans.”
