As gaming in Pennsylvania approaches its 10th anniversary, casinos continue to have a strong economic and community impact in the state. Annually, Pennsylvania’s 12 casinos are responsible for over $6 billion in economic activity and support nearly 34,000 jobs, which pay more than $1.7 billion in wages to Pennsylvania workers. Federal, state and local tax revenues generated from gaming add up to an impressive $2.4 billion – and $1.4 billion of that is generated directly from gaming taxes.
That’s why, last week, the American Gaming Association (AGA) held its latest Get to Know Gaming event in Philadelphia to highlight casinos’ positive impact on the area. The event, hosted at SugarHouse Casino, brought together the city’s casino representatives, business and community leaders and local, state and federally elected officials.
The panel consisted of:
- Congressman Pat Meehan (R-PA-07);
- State Senator Larry Farnese (D-PA-1);
- Wendy Hamilton, general manager of SugarHouse Casino;
- Marc Oppenheimer, chief marketing officer, Parx Casino;
- Richard F. Levins, VP and deputy general counsel, PA Markets, Independence Blue Cross;
- Julie Coker Graham, president and CEO, Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau; and
- Stephen Mullin, president and principal, Econsult Solutions (moderator).
Participants discussed the industry’s contributions to programs that support education, veterans, employee growth, sustainability, the arts and more. Marc Oppenheimer of Parx Casino said during of the event:
“There are things in many different areas, whether it be culturally, whether it be community-wise… where we’ve been the partner that has stepped up when the community has needed us.”
Wendy Hamilton of Sugarhouse noted:
“I think that anyone will tell you that from the time that gaming was legalized in Pennsylvania, the neighborhood around SugarHouse became critically important, [we told folks] we’re going to be a great neighbor, here’s why you want us here.”
Julie Coker Graham of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau highlighted gaming’s contribution to visitors to the Philadelphia area:
“We’re charged at the Bureau with bringing in conventions and meetings, but also the overseas visitors…[Gaming] offers yet another product to enhance the visitor experience…The more that we can enhance the experience that they have while they’re here causes them to stay longer, which obviously creates more taxes and jobs.”
In addition to livestreaming video of the event on Periscope, gaming’s positive community impact was highlighted in The Delaware County Times:
“’This industry has delivered to Pennsylvania and it has delivered to local communities,’ Geoff Freeman, president and CEO of the American Gaming Association, said. ‘Our commitment to these communities has never been stronger.’”
The event also generated news coverage in The Philadelphia Inquirer, The Philadelphia Business Journal, The Intelligencer and CDC Gaming.
Additionally, as you may know, Pennsylvania’s Supreme Court ruled recently on the state’s casino host fee law. As The Philadelphia Inquirer reported, “the municipal portion of tax on slot machines outside Philadelphia violates the state constitution because it effectively imposes different rates on casinos depending on their size.” At the event, I had the chance to address the recent decision:
“Many of our casinos are already working with their local communities to determine how this issue can be resolved. We’re confident that the Legislature will also address this issue. I feel very good about our long-term commitment to these communities to the commonwealth of Pennsylvania…That’s not to say that there aren’t policies here in Pennsylvania that need a fresh a look. The policies that were put in place in 2004 might not be the best policies for 2016 and beyond.”
We need to ensure that in Pennsylvania, and all across the country, lawmakers and stakeholders are continuing to look at more progressive gaming policies. It will enable the industry to thrive for years to come, which will allow gaming to continue to have a strong impact on communities.
