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Though hardly a Nevada, the Keystone State in recent years has become a top East Coast gambling destination, taking a chunk out of Atlantic City’s gaming revenues. Pennsylvania legalized gaming in 2004 as a way to raise money for property tax relief, authorizing slot machines at a maximum of 14 locations. The first casino opened in 2006, and the 10th will open this fall. To augment revenues from slots, state lawmakers in January approved live table games—dozens of blackjack, craps and roulette tables have been installed this summer at all the casinos. Pennsylvania already is No. 1 in slots revenues among East Coast states. The majority of Pennsylvania casinos are found in the eastern part of the state, with several in the Philadelphia area. The newest gaming parlor is expected to open this fall along the Delaware River in Philadelphia. Offering views of the city skyline, Sugar House Casino will occupy the site of the former Jack Frost sugar refinery. It will feature a peaceful riverfront promenade, an environmental green roof de-
Pennsylvania The year-old Rivers Casino, on the Ohio River in downtown Pittsburgh, offers more than 3,000 slot machines and 60 brand new table games.
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hen itinerary planners think Pennsylvania, the colonial sights of Philadelphia, Amish lifestyles of Lancaster County and Civil War drama at Gettysburg immediately come to mind. Groups also gravitate to attractions like Valley Forge National Historical Park, Hershey’s Chocolate World, Longwood Gardens, and the picturesque towns of Bucks County LeisureGroupTravel.com
and the Brandywine Valley. But more and more tour organizers are adding a splash of glitz to their trips with visits to Pennsylvania casinos. Besides gaming action, groups enjoy concerts, cabaret shows and fun dining venues, including buffets. Some casinos offer horse racing.To entice motorcoach groups, most casinos provide each passenger with food and slots play offers.
As the state’s young gaming industry expands, a diverse array of casinos and racetracks gives group travelers chances to strike it rich sign, a restaurant and two bars, not to mention 1,700 slot machines. (sugarhousecasino.com) In Bensalem the $250-million Parx Casino opened last December, August 2010 39