The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board announced a public hearing will take place on Aug. 28 regarding the license renewal of Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course.
It is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. at the East Hanover Township Building in Grantville, PA.
The PGCB and Hollywood Casino at PNRC will follow the same protocol as Wind Creek Casino, which just held a public hearing last week. According to PGCB Communications Director, Doug Harbach, the license renewal is a two-step process.
Hollywood Casino at PNRC under the microscope
Pennsylvania casinos are subject to license renewal hearing every five years. However, the COVID-19 pandemic pushed back the timeline for Hollywood Casino at PNRC and Wind Creek.
Now, Hollywood Casino at PNRC’s time comes later this month, where it has to make a presentation to the PGCB, along with other parties. Harbach explained the first step to PlayPennsylvania involving Wind Creek back in June. The same structure applies to Hollywood.
“Wind Creek would make a presentation to update on what has occurred since last relicensing (2018) and future plans.
“Lawyers from Hearing and Appeals would ask questions as would Board members. Then additional presentations would be submitted by State Police and our Bureaus of Investigations and Enforcement and Casino Compliance.”
Specifically, the PGCB will list all government officials, community groups and individuals who are registered to speak the week of the hearing. The first step is also open to the public, as written comments can be submitted through the PGCB’s website.
Part two occurs at a future PGCB meeting
The second part of the process is a separate public hearing in Harrisburg. Harbach describes Part 2 as:
“A report would then be provided to the Board members on all findings and a second hearing held prior to a future Board meeting in which the members can ask additional questions before determining individually their vote on the renewal,” Harbach said in June. “Each Board member will weigh the evidence, including past fines, individually in reaching a decision.”
From there is where the PGCB votes to determine the eligibility of Hollywood at PNRC’s license. According to a press release, the PGCB explains the responsibility placed on Pennsylvania casinos undergoing this process:
“The burden is on the renewal applicant to establish and demonstrate, by clear and convincing evidence, its eligibility and suitability for renewal of a gaming license.
“During the hearing, the renewal applicant will be given the opportunity to demonstrate, among other things, its good character, honesty and integrity; compliance with its statement of conditions; as well as provide evidence on tax revenue generated; jobs created; success in implementing its diversity plan; and involvement in the surrounding communities.”
Further, Harbach confirmed with PlayPennsylvania that every Keystone State casino has been granted a license renewal. The likelihood of Wind Creek and Hollywood Casino at PNRC getting denied are close to 0%.
However, it doesn’t mean Hollywood Casino at PNRC shouldn’t bring its A-game when it presents on Aug. 28.
