HARRISBURG: David Kwait, the Director of the Bureau of Investigations and Enforcement (BIE) of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board today announced that he will retire, effective December 5, 2008. Kwait has served as the first director of the BIE since July 2005.

“Directing the Bureau of Investigations and Enforcement has been challenging, exciting and, candidly, at times difficult. But, throughout my tenure as the Director, I’ve constantly been surrounded by hardworking professionals of the highest caliber,” Kwait said. “It has been an honor to work with them.”

HARRISBURG: The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board today completed two days of licensing suitability hearings for Valley Forge Convention Center Partners, L.P. and Bushkill Group, Inc. (Fernwood Hotel & Resort), each requesting approval for either of the two available Category 3 slot machine licenses for existing resorts.

HARRISBURG: In its continuing efforts to help the citizens of Pennsylvania better understand the growing slots casino market and the tremendous oversight effort being undertaken, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board has launched videos of important Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on its web site, www.pgcb.state.pa.us.

HARRISBURG: The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board today released an altered schedule for the licensing suitability hearings of two remaining applicants vying for Category 3 licenses. The schedule change was made due to yesterday’s announced withdrawal of Split Rock Resort as an applicant for a license.

HARRISBURG: The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board has been presented the first annual Award for Outstanding Contribution by a Government Agency in the field of Problem Gambling from the Council on Compulsive Gambling of Pennsylvania.

The PGCB’s Director of the Office of Compulsive and Problem Gambling, Nanette L. Horner, accepted the award yesterday during the Council’s statewide problem gambling conference in Harrisburg.

HARRISBURG: The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board today assessed Mountainview Thoroughbred Racing Association d/b/a Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Court a fine of $5,000 for permitting an underage person to play slot machines.

HARRISBURG: The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board announced today that the agency and the seven operating casinos are prepared to follow the guidelines of the Commonwealth’s Clean Indoor Air Act, a law which takes effect on September 11, 2008.

The act not only prohibits smoking in most public places, including restaurants and the workplace, but also prohibits smoking on at least 75 percent of the casino floor.  Penalties will be imposed for individuals who smoke in prohibited areas.

HARRISBURG: The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board today announced the schedule of suitability hearings for three applicants vying for up to two available Category 3 licenses that would permit the operation of up to 500 slot machines at a resort hotel.

All hearings will be held at the Pennsylvania State Museum located at the corner of Third and North Streets in Harrisburg.

HARRISBURG: The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board today released the adjudication containing the legal opinion and rationale that led to the recent board approval of the restructuring and recapitalization of Pittsburgh slots casino project.

The adjudication is available for download by visiting the Gaming Control Board’s web site, www.pgcb.state.pa.us, and choosing the link titled “Pittsburgh Adjudication” under the What’s New section on the home page.

HARRISBURG: The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board today assessed Harrah's Chester Downs and Marina, LLC (Harrah's Chester Casino and Racetrack) two fines totaling $30,000 for permitting an underage individual to play a slot machine and for having areas of the gaming floor unmonitored by casino security staff.

In addition to the fines, Harrah's will make a $5,000 donation to the Problem Gaming Education and Outreach Fund.