One Pennsylvania casino will be renewing its license this year, as long as the renewal process goes as expected. Mohegan Pennsylvania reached the five-year point, when the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board requires renewing the Category 1 Slot Machine Operator License.
A public hearing is now scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 21, in Luzerne County at 10:30 a.m., when citizens, public officials and community groups will have a chance to provide input and feedback on the popular casino. Residents can also provide written testimony in lieu of attending the hearing in person.
Mohegan Pennsylvania license renewal hearing set
The address for the late September public hearing is:
Plains Township Fox Hill Firehouse No. 2
50 2nd Street
Plains Township, PA
To provide comments, residents will be required to register first. The registration deadline for those wishing to speak or provide written feedback is 12 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 18. To register, look for the special link regarding the hearing at the PGCB’s website.
Once registered, participants can provide their written comments via email, fax or regular mail.
- Email: [email protected]
- Fax: (717) 265-7416
- Mail: PA Gaming Control Board
Attention: Board Clerk
303 Walnut Street 5th Fl. Commonwealth Tower
Harrisburg, PA 17101
The renewal of casino and other regulated gaming licenses in the state is a regular process, with each casino needing to renew its license every five years. Throughout PA’s history of legalized gambling, casinos have generally navigated the renewal process without significant obstacles.
The PGCB implemented a two-step process to ensure transparency, community involvement and adherence to the regulations that govern the industry.
A second public hearing will be held at a later date in Harrisburg, where casino representatives will make their case and face additional questions from board members. At that time, the applicant is tasked with establishing their eligibility and suitability for a renewed license.
The board will look for evidence of good character, compliance with the statement of conditions, information on tax revenue generated, jobs created, success in implementing a diversity plan and involvement in the community.
The board will then decide whether to grant the license extension to Mohegan Pennsylvania.
Mohegan is a major player in the PA casino market
The Keystone State wrapped up a record-breaking fiscal year in 2022/2023, setting new highs for revenue and taxes, largely driven by the success of retail slots at PA casinos. Retail slots accounted for 44.4% of the state’s entire gambling revenue and produced an impressive $2.45 billion in revenue.
Online slots also did well, complementing the overall revenues with $1.29 billion, though the retail sector is still the dominant force. PGCB Director of Communications, Doug Harbach, spoke to PlayPennsylvania, noting how the retail market rebounded significantly in the post-COVID period with continuous play at casinos.
Mohegan Pennsylvania has played a big role in this thriving market, ranking fourth among the state’s top slot operators with revenue of $184 million.
Parx Casino leads the pack with $390 million, followed by Wind Creek Bethlehem at $278.9 million and Rivers Casino Pittsburgh at $269.5 million. Although trailing behind these giants, Mohegan Pennsylvania’s contribution to the state’s record-breaking year cannot be understated.
Pennsylvania’s top-10 slot operators in fiscal year 2022/2023:
- Parx Casino: $390 million
- Wind Creek Bethlehem: $278.9 million
- Rivers Casino Pittsburgh: $269.5 million
- Mohegan Pennsylvania: $184 million
- Hollywood Casino at the Meadows: $169.2 million
- Mount Airy Casino Resort: $156 million
- Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course: $150.6 million
- Rivers Casino Philadelphia: $132 million
- Live! Casino Philadelphia: $131.2 million
- Harrah’s Philadelphia: $125.9 million
The Bensalem-based Parx Casino, recently ranked among the world’s most profitable casinos, did see a slight drop in slot revenue by 4.41% this fiscal year. But, retail slots clearly remain the major factor that drives revenue for the state, reinforcing Pennsylvania’s position as a powerhouse in the nation’s gaming industry.
