HARRISBURG, PA: The amount of gross revenues generated in February 2009 through the play of slot machines at the six casinos that were also operating in February of the previous year rose 14.27%, according to figures received by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.

The six casinos generated $125,893,412.46 in gross revenues during the recently completed month compared to $110,169,729.96 in February 2008. This increase is all the more impressive since it occurred even though there was an additional operating day last February due to leap year.

HARRISBURG: During "Problem Gambling Awareness Week" March 1-7 2009, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board is encouraging anyone who thinks they may have a gambling problem to seek help.  This includes taking advantage of the voluntary Self-Exclusion Program that permits an individual to voluntarily request to be excluded from all gaming activities at all licensed slot machine facilities within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

HARRISBURG – The state departments of Health, Agriculture, and Revenue – along with the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board – will highlight National Problem Gambling Awareness Week, March 1 – 7, by reminding citizens that counseling and treatment services are available to those affected by a gambling addiction.

HARRISBURG, PA: Mary DiGiacomo Colins, Chairman of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, today presented an update on the success and expanded regulatory oversight of legalized slots gaming in the Commonwealth.

The comments were made during Colins’ keynote address at the 5th Annual Pennsylvania Gaming Congress and Mid-Atlantic Racing Forum in Harrisburg.

HARRISBURG: The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board’s top official responsible for overseeing casino implementation of compulsive and problem gambling plans, as well as education and programs to assist citizens with gambling addictions, provided an update today to members of the House Gaming Oversight Committee.

HARRISBURG: The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board has released its 2008 Annual Report. The 26-page document is available in electronic format and can be downloaded by visiting the Gaming Control Board’s web site www.pgcb.state.pa.us, and choosing the special Annual Report link on the home page.

HARRISBURG: The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board today placed conditions on its approval of a request by The Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem to permit the casino to modify the scope of its initial project.

The approval allows The Sands to delay completion of the hotel, retail and multi-purpose facility portions of its project until after the initial opening of the permanent slot machine facility.  The Sands’ current target is to open its casino to the public in May 2009.

HARRISBURG: The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board’s Bureau of Licensing today notified five vendors who have an owner, officer or director with either a felony conviction or felony charge that they could no longer continue to do business with Pennsylvania casinos pending final action by the Board.

HARRISBURG: The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board today honored retiring Director of the Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement, David Kwait, for his integrity and tireless work in helping to launch the Commonwealth’s slots casino industry.

“The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board proudly recognizes David Kwait for his exemplary record of service and leadership,” said Chairman Mary DiGiacomo Colins. “We congratulate David on his retirement from the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board and wishes him the very best in all his future endeavors.”

HARRISBURG, PA:  The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board's Director of Gaming Laboratory Operations will speak at an international conference focused on technology in the gaming industry on November 18, 2008.

Michael Cruz will be joined by representatives of public gaming labs from Nevada, New Jersey, Michigan and Mississippi in a presentation and panel discussion titled "Setting Up a Public Slot Lab" at the Global Gaming Expo (G2E), held annually in Las Vegas.