As part of the Pennsylvania casino gambling expansion legislation, the Keystone State was supposed to get up to 10 new mini-casinos, or satellite casinos.
These smaller (Category 4) casinos can feature 300 to 750 slot machines, plus up to 40 table games. A form of “convenience gambling,” these casinos offer fewer amenities in less populated areas than Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. The state aims to draw in more revenue by appealing to casino patrons who would rather drive half an hour or less to a small venue than travel around an hour to a larger casino.
The Commonwealth collected more than $121 million just in upfront licensing fees from PA mini-casino auctions.
The plan for 10 new PA mini-casinos fell through, however, PA will be home to five Category 4 casinos. Here is an update on the three existing ones and on the other two projects.
