HARRISBURG: The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board today unanimously voted to renew the Category 2 slot machine license of Sands Bethworks Gaming, LLC, operator of the Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem.

The seven member Board determined that Sands Bethworks Gaming had fulfilled the obligations under its slot operator’s license and therefore qualified to have its license renewed.

HARRISBURG: The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board today approved the petitions of three casinos to conduct table games, bringing to five the total of casinos that has gained this approval.

Approved by the Board following conclusion of the public hearing process were:

HARRISBURG: The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board today announced that it would hold a public hearing on Tuesday, April 20, 2010 to gather evidence, including public comment, on the petition submitted by Chester Downs and Marina, LLC, operator of Harrah’s Chester Casino & Racetrack in Delaware County, requesting authorization to conduct table games.

The hearing will begin at 10:00 am at the Chester City Hall Council Chambers on the 2nd floor. City Hall is located at 1 Fourth Street in Chester, Pennsylvania.

HARRISBURG, PA: Slot machine-generated revenue in Pennsylvania increased by 29% during March of 2010 compared to March of 2009, while also showing a significant upturn from the revenue dip due to poor weather in February.

Figures released today by the Gaming Control Board show that the nine slot machine facilities operating in Pennsylvania during March of this year collectively generated $200,162,919 in gross revenue, compared to $155,119,467 in March of 2009 when seven casinos were in operation. That is an increase of 29.04%.

HARRISBURG: The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board today announced that it would hold a public hearing on Monday, April 26, 2010 to gather evidence, including public comment, on the petition submitted by Holdings Acquisition Co. L.P., operator of the Rivers Casino in Allegheny County, requesting authorization to conduct table games.

The hearing will begin at 10:00 am at the Allegheny County Courthouse, Room 410 (Gold Room), 436 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (use the Grant Street Entrance).

HARRISBURG: The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board today announced that it would hold a public hearing on Wednesday, March 31, 2010 to gather evidence, including public comment, on the petition submitted by Presque Isle Downs, Inc., operator of Presque Isle Downs and Casino in Erie County, requesting authorization to conduct table games.

The hearing will begin at 10:00 am at the Summit Township Building, 8900 Old French Road in Erie, Pennsylvania.

HARRISBURG: A meeting of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board has been scheduled for Tuesday March 23, 2010.

The meeting, which is open to the public, will be held at Temple University/Harrisburg Campus in Strawberry Square at 303 Walnut Street and will begin at 9:30 a.m. in the 2nd floor Lecture Hall (Room 246/248).

HARRISBURG: Two Pennsylvania casinos gained Gaming Control Board approval today of its petitions to conduct table games.

Downs Racing, LP, operators of Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs in Luzerne County, and Greenwood Gaming and Entertainment, Inc., operators of parx casino/Philadelphia Park Racetrack in Bucks County, were the first two licensed slots facilities in the Commonwealth to receive Board approval for table games. Both expect to offer live table games some time mid-year 2010.

HARRISBURG: Pennsylvanians interested in training to become casino table games dealers should be wary of unlicensed schools that are operating illegally, state officials said today.

"Before anyone invests their time and money into learning the skilled trade of being a table games dealer, they need to make certain they are learning from a legitimate institution," Education Secretary Gerald L. Zahorchak said.

HARRISBURG: During “Problem Gambling Awareness Week” March 7th - 13th, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board is encouraging individuals who think they may have a gambling problem to seek help.

Chairman Greg Fajt says this agency places an emphasis on the need to provide resources to assist Pennsylvanians who are affected by problem gambling.